Deadline for applications: CLOSED

Marnong Estate has built a strong brand and reputation for producing high-quality wines that consistently earn recognition and awards in many of the country’s top wine shows. The portfolio showcases classic cool climate varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as a range of Italian varieties including Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Fiano.

The new state-of-the-art winery and vineyard form part of the expansive Marnong Estate, located just 35 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD in the Sunbury wine region. Bordering the Macedon Ranges, the estate vineyard currently has 34 Ha under vine, with an additional 5 Ha to be planted in the coming year.

Reporting to the Winemaker, this is a hands-on role that will be responsible for executing cellar operations and production plans to specification. The Assistant Winemaker will have the opportunity to deepen their technical winemaking skills and contribute meaningfully to all stages of production, with active engagement across both winery and vineyard operations. This is a winery-focused role that will also be involved in all stages of the vineyard lifecycle, providing support as needed.

The Assistant Winemaker will have access to extensive professional development opportunities, with support to advance their skillset, industry involvement and to take on greater responsibility within the business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Winemaking Operations

• Execute all cellar operations, including fermentation monitoring, additions, barrel work, transfers, and bottling preparation
• Ensure strict adherence to SOPs and hygiene protocols across all winemaking tasks
• Act as the on-site lead in the absence of the Winemaker or Director of Wine, coordinating cellar staff and maintaining workflow continuity
• Support the Winemaker in the execution of trials, blend preparations, and sensory evaluations, contributing technical input and tasting feedback
• Perform laboratory testing and routine quality control checks to ensure wine integrity and consistency
• Assist in the maintenance and cleanliness of winery infrastructure, including overseeing equipment upkeep and supporting the execution of minor repairs or servicing as needed
• Proactively communicate progress, challenges, and resource needs to the Winemaker, ensuring smooth operation and timely task execution across all phases of production

Vineyard Operations

This role will actively contribute to all stages of the vineyard lifecycle, supporting the vineyard team in achieving fruit quality that aligns with the winery’s standards, under the direction of the Vineyard Operations Manager.

• Participate in pruning, shoot thinning, fruit thinning, and canopy management operations as required
• Assist in maturity monitoring by collecting and preparing grape samples; perform crushing; and input data accurately into the shared reporting system
• Support vintage readiness by ensuring appropriate volumes of picking bins are prepared and available ahead of harvest
• Ensure all harvested fruit is weighed and recorded with accuracy and timeliness, contributing to traceability and yield tracking across all vineyard blocks
• Maintain regular communication with the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager to ensure alignment between vineyard decisions and winemaking objectives

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Tertiary degree in Oenology, or currently studying
• Understanding of winery operations and vintage experience
• Vineyard experience, an advantage
• Highly motivated and driven, with a proactive mindset
• Meticulous attention to detail and precision
• Ability to work autonomously and part of a team
• Organised, with effective time management skills
• Strong communication skills
• Physically capable of performing cellar and vineyard tasks
• Ability to work extended hours when required
• Valid forklift and driver’s licence

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

Marnong Estate

Located just a 35-min drive from the Melbourne CBD and 20-min from the airport, Marnong Estate is a vibrant tourist destination and wine brand. Overlooking rolling hills and farming land, the Estate provides easy access to the city as well as regional towns in Macedon and surrounding areas.

Through ongoing investment, the historic property in Sunbury has been re-developed into an Estate offering a range of hospitality venues from causal to fine-dining, event spaces, a cellar door, as well as accommodation. Further plans to expand operations are underway, with construction of a hotel to begin at the end of the year, followed by two new function centres and a new purpose-built cellar door planned for 2026.

https://marnongestate.com.au/

Professional Development Opportunities

• Engage in stewarding or judging at a wine show to build sensory calibration, industry exposure, and benchmarking awareness
• Continue developing technical, sensory, and leadership capabilities with the aim of taking on greater responsibility in winemaking operations, planning, and process improvement
• Actively participate in the broader wine industry through professional development networking, and communication, becoming a respected and engaged ambassador for the winery and its values
• Attend industry conferences or workshops to stay updated on winemaking trends and techniques
• Participate in internal training sessions to deepen knowledge of the winery’s specific processes and standards

Winery

The new state-of-the-art, architecturally designed 2,800m² winery was completed in 2024, built to expand with the ongoing vineyard development plans.

In addition to the high-end winemaking facilities and temperature-controlled cellar, it also includes a private dining room and a commercial kitchen that will cater to corporate and private events.

Vineyard

The vineyard was established in 2016 and now totals 34 hectares under vine, with operations expanding to also include sites in Macedon. Ongoing vineyard development work includes a recently planted Chardonnay plot with 8000 vines per Ha, with an additional 5 Ha of primarily Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to be planted in 2026.

The diverse mix of varieties also includes Fiano, Pinot Grigio, Glera, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Montepulciano.

Wine Award Highlights

In the past three years, the Marnong winemaking and viticulture team have been awarded 123 medals and trophies across the range of Marnong Estate wines.