Chief Winemaker

The new Chief Winemaker at Fowles will be joining a dynamic ‘house of brands’ wine business, best known for Ladies who Shoot their Lunch, in the next phase of exciting growth plans. With ongoing investment in new innovations and product development, Fowles 6 core wine brands have an expanding global market reach with many of the world’s top trade partners, restaurants and retailers.

Part of the ancient and rocky landscape of Victoria’s Strathbogie Ranges, the family owned and run wine business has an extensive portfolio of cool climate wines that capture the distinctive characteristics of their high-altitude vineyards. With a strong focus on people and culture, Fowles have attracted outstanding industry professionals, building a long-term and committed team.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a senior management role that will be responsible for all winemaking operations and team leadership. As a brand advocate, the Chief Winemaker will represent the business and the region, promoting the evolving story of brand and place.

Requirements:

  • Tertiary qualification in Oenology
  • At least 10 years relevant experience
  • Experience managing large winery operations and a multidisciplinary team
  • Advanced technical knowledge across a diverse range of styles and varieties
  • Wine sensory and quality analysis training, such as AWAC, Len Evans Scholar or show judging
  • Experience in new product development
  • Understanding of viticulture and biodiversity
  • Leadership and people management skills
  • Business and financial acumen
  • Strong communication skills
  • Proactive and attention to detail
  • Valid forklift and driver’s licence
  • Capacity for light domestic and international travel
  • Physically capable of performing operational duties when required
  • Ability to work extended hours when required

https://www.fowleswine.com/

More Information

Fowles Wine Brands

Fowles have 6 core wine brands, plus additional small batch and project wines, each with an individual identity and story. The portfolio of cool climate wines from the Strathbogie Ranges has a diverse range of wine styles, with an on-premise focus and select off-trade. Fowles innovative and next generation approach are key to their growing success and expanding product range.

Location

Located in Victoria’s Strathbogie Ranges, Fowles is set in diverse landscape of ancient granite mountains and rocky outcrops, with the vineyard altitudes ranging from 430m to 550m. Just off the Hume Highway and a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the local area has a number of small towns and communities that offer an idyllic lifestyle. The surrounding area is filled with outdoor adventure activities and within a 2-hour drive you can reach ski fields, hiking trails, mountain biking tracks, as well as waterfalls, lakes and rivers.

Biodiversity & Ecology Programs

Working with nature and cultivating a biodiverse ecosystem are key to the Fowles philosophy, ‘to farm in nature’s image’, from regenerative farming through to sustainable packaging.

Read more about Fowles and some of the work they are doing here.