Winemaker

 

Deadline for applications: Wednesday, 11th June 2025

Established in 1978 on Tasmania’s East Coast, Freycinet Vineyard is the oldest winery and commercial vineyard in the region. The family owned and run business produces fine, elegant, yet powerful wines that showcase their unique vineyard sites that sit just 12km from the Freycinet Peninsula coastline.

The portfolio includes the Freycinet Vineyard flagship wines – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling – which are produced from the original 1979 plantings, as well as their highly awarded Radenti traditional method sparkling wine. All of the wines are grown, made and bottled onsite, from 16 Ha of vines across 4 vineyards, in the 200T winery that sits at the centre of operations.

This is an opportunity to produce classic cool climate wines of exceptional quality, providing a sense of ownership and direction from the vineyard, to the glass. The new Winemaker will be a brand advocate, elevating its industry, trade and media presence. Reporting to the Director, this is a hands-on role that will be responsible for managing all winemaking operations, driving excellence through proactive leadership.

Surrounded by spectacular natural beauty filled with forests, beaches, bays and islands, the area offers a perfect blend of a country and coastal lifestyle. The region offers an immersive experience, whether its fishing for crays and seafood on the pristine beaches, bays and islands, or exploring the ancient forests, mountains and trails – it’s all within a 30-min drive of Freycinet Vineyard.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage all stages of the winemaking process, from harvest to bottling, including tirage and disgorgement
  • Coordinate and assist with all day-to-day cellar operations, including quality control procedures
  • Manage the winery team, as well as all casual and contract labour, providing technical direction and mentorship
  • Contribute to the knowledge and operational planning for vineyard operations, collaborating with the team on processes and direction
  • Manage vintage operations, harvest planning and logistics
  • Manage the winery budget, delivering forecasts and financial reports
  • Review and develop SOPs and processes, ensuring regulatory and workplace health and safety compliance
  • Contribute to long-term strategic planning and business development
  • Represent and promote the brand with trade, media and consumers, as well as participating in industry events and presentation opportunities

Job Requirements:

  • Tertiary qualification in Wine Science, Applied Science, Oenology or equivalent discipline
  • At least 5 years’ relevant winemaking experience, including winery management
  • Experience with cool climate winemaking styles and varieties, with sparkling winemaking an advantage
  • Proficient in production functions, including blending and preparation of wine for bottling and experience in bottling operations
  • Solid laboratory and quality assessment skills
  • Proven ability in managing budgets and achieving targets
  • Excellent organisation, communication and management skills
  • Proactive in preventative maintenance and risk mitigation
  • Competency with winery management systems, Vintrace experience an advantage
  • Valid forklift & driver’s licence
  • Ability to work for extended hours when required
  • Able to travel domestically
  • Physically capable of undertaking cellar duties

 To discuss this role or receive a copy of the position description, contact Glenn Thompson at gthompson@winenet.com.au or 0438 308 278.

 

https://freycinetvineyard.com.au/

More Information

Winemaking & Vineyards

In addition to the Freycinet Vineyard range, the portfolio also includes Radenti Sparkling and Louis wines. All wines are made from estate grown fruit in the 200T winery and bottled on site. The winery sits at the centre of operations, surrounded by the vineyards and includes recent equipment upgrades.

There is 16 Ha under vine across 4 vineyards, ranging in age from the original 1979 vines to recent additions. The vineyards are planted with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Schönburger.

The Estate 

The estate includes 160 Ha of land, surrounded by forest that leads to the secluded beaches of the Freycinet Peninsula, a popular diving area for abalone and crayfish. The cellar door overlooks the oldest vineyard blocks and is next to the winery, offering tasting 7 days a week.

Also part of the estate is the 4.2 Ha olive grove, which produces the cellar door exclusive olive oil that has become a cult product for Freycinet Vineyard.

Location & Lifestyle

Freycinet Vineyard is part of a thriving food and wine scene, famous for its fresh oysters and crayfish, it also has a number of vineyards and cellar doors close by including Devil’s Corner just down the road. The stunning scenery provides a perfect backdrop to a range of epicurean delights. An abundance of reserves, national parks, beaches, bays, mountains and trails provides endless opportunities for adventures including hiking, mountain biking, climbing, diving and fishing.

The area is also a haven for locals, with options to live in tree lined towns, or by the beach and bays, with Bicheno, Coles Bay and Swansea among others, all within a 30 min drive.

Wine Award Highlights

2025 Halliday Wine Companion

Top 5 Star Winery

97 points | 2023 Freycinet Vineyard Riesling

96 points | 2016 Radenti Grand Vintage Sparkling

95 points | 2017 Radenti Vintage Sparkling Rosé

2025 Tasmanian Wine Show

GOLD | 2016 Radenti Grand Vintage Sparkling

2024 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards

Gold | 2024 Freycinet Riesling

2024 Halliday Wine Companion

Top 100 Wines & 96 points | 2016 Radenti Grand Vintage Sparkling

2023 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards

Gold & The Dr Tony Jordan Trophy for Best Sparkling | 2016 Freycinet Vineyard Radenti Sparkling

Gold | 2017 Radenti Vintage Sparkling Rosé

2023 Tasmanian Wine Show

Top Gold & Trophy for Best Non-Vintage Sparkling | Radenti R3 Sparkling

Top Gold & Trophy for Best Sweet Wine | 2021 Freycinet Vineyard Botrytis

2022 James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge

Top Gold, Best of Region Tasmania | 2019 Freycinet Vineyard Chardonnay