SCOPE OF ROLE: This role is a permanent full-time position assisting with all aspects of the winery and winemaking operations, working closely alongside Winemaker and Director, Erinn Klein.
Winemaking is the core and predominant focus of this role, comprising approximately *****% of ordinary working time.
The balance of time is spent on ancillary support of the wider vineyard, farm and business, reflecting Ngeringa's small, integrated operating model in which all staff contribute across functions as required.
Working closely with the Winemaker, the Assistant Winemaker is responsible for supporting the production of Ngeringa's premium biodynamic wines while contributing to the health and productivity of the vineyard, farm and wider business.
This role offers a unique opportunity to be involved in an integrated winegrowing system where exceptional wine quality, regenerative agriculture and environmental stewardship are intrinsically connected.
The role requires you to contribute to the day-to-day management of the winery, vineyard, farm and wider property, with the expectation that you will, over time, develop the knowledge and confidence to work autonomously within agreed weekly and monthly plans.
Due to the seasonal nature of wine production, the position will at times require work outside normal business hours, particularly during vintage, although occasional out-of-hours work may also be required at other times of the year.
Outside of vintage, our aim is to maintain a standard working day of approximately 7.5 to 8 hours.
Given the unique nature and vision of the Ngeringa brand, this role relies on your passion for fine wine and your commitment to continuously improving all aspects of grape growing and winemaking.
It also requires a positive attitude towards biodynamic farming practices, together with an appreciation for regenerative agriculture, livestock management and the important role of farming within our integrated winegrowing system.
This role reports to the Director, Erinn Klein, and is an integral part of NGERINGA's leadership team.
KEY RESPONSIBLITIES: The role requires the Assistant Winemaker to; Winery (core) • Work closely with, collaborate and take directions from the Winemaker across all stages of the winemaking process.
• Execute day-to-day cellar and winery operations, including grape crushing, pressing, pump-overs, barrel racking and vessel sanitation.
• Conduct routine laboratory testing and sensory analysis (pH,



titratable acidity, residual sugars, volatile acidity etc).
• Monitor wild/spontaneous fermentations and managing temperature control and cap management during harvest.
• Assist the Winemaker with barrel selection, trial blend preparations and final wine maturation monitoring.
• Overseeing bottling preparations, filtration and packaging quality assurance.
• Maintaining detailed vinification, cellar, and biodynamic/organic compliance record-keeping.
• Operate all machinery in a safe, responsible and effective way and assist in the maintenance of all wineries, vineyard and farm equipment including test machinery for safety and function.
• Process orders, including packing, completing the paperwork, photographing completed pallets and loading pallets.
• Supervise staff in the winery, vineyard and farm including organising casual staff and contractors for peak periods.
• Ensure staff induction and training (SOP's and signing off after training is completed) is completed.
Vineyard and Farm (ancillary duties) • Contribute to seasonal vineyard activities, including Pest management, P D monitoring/management; Foliage management; Weeding; Harvest; Pruning.
• Contribute to ongoing farming activities, including irrigation and soil moisture monitoring, compost making, hay making, BD prep making and application, pasture management and improvements, fruit orchards and vine trellis maintenance.
• Contribute to livestock activities, including routine stock movement and animal husbandry.
• Maintaining detailed vineyards, farm and biodynamic/organic compliance record-keeping.
• Assist with planting out and watering of young revegetation areas.
Work Health and Safety • Participate in and take responsibility for WH S obligations across all areas of NGERINGA, including the winery, vineyard, farm and elsewhere as required.
• Provide first aid onsite and ensure all staff know location of first aid supplies.
• Assist with fire safety activities for the property,



including gutter cleaning and preparing the farm for the fire season, removal of fuel from around winery, maintaining of firefighting equipment, awareness of daily risk during fire season (keeping updated via radio, CFS).
Other (occasional/minor duties) • Assistance with public events when required.
Set up and pack down for events.
• Occasional cellar door service: during periods of staff leave/absence.
• Occasional office management: including processing orders, invoicing, packing shipping of orders, and answering the phone and email messages.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ATRIBUTES REQUIRED Qualifications : • A bachelor's degree (or equivalent Australian Qualifications Framework / AQF Level 7 or higher) in Oenology, Wine Science, or Viticulture Oenology Skills and Attributes: • At least three vintages of practical winemaking experience • Sensory evaluation abilities for early flaw detection and blending assessment • Knowledge and experience in biodynamic principles for winemaking and vineyard management • A genuine commitment to producing cool-climate wines of the highest quality • Practical and technical grape growing experience • Machinery operation maintenance experience • Strong physical capability to handle heavy harvest shifts and cellar labour • High level of attention to detail, tidiness, and always striving for the best possible outcome • Ability to work solo and unsupervised, as well as be a valuable member of a small team • Ability to lead small in-house team and larger contract crews effectively and efficiently to ensure required outcomes are met in a timely manner • During vintage, be happy to roll up your sleeves and work flexible hours to help deliver an outstanding harvest.
• Computer skills • Positive and energetic working approach • Strong interpersonal skills • Pragmatic and result focused • A commitment to maintaining a secure, clean and efficient workplace • A current Australian Drivers Licence • A current Forklift licence (preferred) • A First Aid Certificate (preferred) REPORTING RELATIONSHIP Reports to: Erinn Klein, Winemaker/Owner.
Managing Director Direct Reports: winery and vineyard staff as required KEY RELATIONSHIPS  Erinn Klein  Winery, vineyard and farm staff, contractors and volunteers  NGERINGA office and cellar door staff.
Salary : $76,000 - $80,000 plus super Only eligible and short-listed applicants will be contacted.

📌 Assistant Winemaker (South Australia)
🏢 Ngeringa Vineyards
📍 South Australia