At Crimson Wine Group, we are the guardians of 1,000 acres of pristine vineyards, iconic estates, forests, and wildlife habitats along the West Coast. Our enviable portfolio of brands includes Pine Ridge Vineyards (Napa, Calif.), Seghesio Family Vineyards (Healdsburg, Calif.), Archery Summit (Dayton, Ore.), Chamisal Vineyards (San Luis Obispo, Calif.), Double Canyon (West Richland, Wash.), Seven Hills Winery (Walla Walla, Wash.) and Malene Wines (California).

We are committed to creating a workplace and culture that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion as part of what makes us a little different and a lot better. Our success is informed by the wide range of experiences and perspectives that our team brings to each of our wines – from vine to bottle and beyond. We encourage all applicants with a vision for creating a more equitable, inclusive and diverse wine industry to apply to join our team. For more information, please visit www.crimsonwinegroup.com.

Position Description:

The Lab Technician I position contributes to the overall wine production team at Chamisal. Under limited supervision of the winemaking team, the Lab Technician will perform the necessary analysis required for juice and wine at all stages of the winemaking process. This position possesses a working knowledge of the different laboratory analysis. Responsibilities will increase with skill level.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Complete analyses on all grapes and wine as per the Lab Analysis schedule. Analyses include Ethanol, TA, pH, VA, TSO2, FSO2, YAN, ML and RS.
• Manage Vintrace winemaking software and all related data entry.
• Follow all Chamisal Vineyards HACCP protocols.
• Basic interpretation of lab data for communication to winemakers.
• Standardization of lab chemicals and calibration of equipment to ensure accuracy of analysis.
• Sampling of grapes and wine for analysis.
• Organize analysis by external labs where required.
• Ensure all wines are ready for bottling: Bentonite trials and other fining trials, Cold Stability testing, Filterability, SO2 adjustments, Verifying DO and CO2.
• Prepare weekly tastings and assist with setup of blending sessions for Winemaking staff.
• Maintain inventory and ordering lab supplies and preparing reagents when needed.
• Maintain facility records for sustainability program.
• Maintain a clean and organized lab.
• Maintain monthly topping routine and writes SO2 additions as needed.
• Assist with prepping and adding wine additions.
• Assist winemaking with monitoring fermentations.
• Assist with winemaking tasks in the cellar when needed.

Qualifications:

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
• Years of Experience: One or more years of previous lab experience required, wine specific experience is ideal.
• Requires attention to detail, and flexibility to changing conditions and priorities.
• Must be able to accurately carry out written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to read and understand English.
• Must be responsible and work well with others.
• Must be able to perform the functions of the position as described in a normal winery environment and work with sulfur dioxide, ammonia-based sanitizers, and mild organic acids that will be present in the workplace.
• Must be able to walk, stoop and bend repeatedly.
• Must be able to perform regular strenuous physical work.
• Must be able to work on ladders and catwalks at heights up to 35 feet.
• Ability to operate all required equipment: Spectrometer, pH meter, DMA, DO Meter, Auto-Titrator, pallet jack, hand jack, forklift, filters, pumps and barrel washers.
• Must be able to repetitively lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Objects could be a case of wine or a wine barrel.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including long hours, overtime and various shifts during harvest and bottling.
• Must be able to submit to a post-offer physical and drug test and successfully pass all areas.
• Experience with Vintrace is preferred, but not essential.
• Experience with Admeo Analytical Systems is preferred, but not essential.