Celebrating 20 years, Marlborough producer Catalina Sounds is preparing for its next chapter, building on their continuing success and growth in both domestic and international markets. Part of Joval Family Wines, Catalina Sounds also has a range of brands within its portfolio including Crowded House.
Crafting elegant wines that capture the unique character and complexity of Marlborough's Southern Valleys, Catalina Sounds has a long-held commitment to quality and fruit expression. Across the range, Sauvignon Blanc remains at the heart of the portfolio, whilst also producing Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir.
Reporting to the Head of Winemaking, this is a new role that will support the production and growth of the Catalina Sounds portfolio. Based in the Blenheim office, the Winemaker will work closely with external contract winemaking and bottling partners to ensure the delivery of wines that meet quality, production and business objectives.
You will be joining a values-driven family business and be part of the broader Joval team and its group of winemakers. With three of the top distribution businesses in Australia and New Zealand, Joval has a strong platform and established networks to support ambitious growth plans across global markets. There is significant potential for the recent Catalina Sounds Winemaker to grow alongside the business, with career development pathways and opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Support the Head of Winemaking in executing winemaking plans that protect wine quality, consistency and brand reputation
Act as the day-to-day operational contact with external contract winemaking, laboratory and bottling partners, ensuring wine preparation and finishing meet bottling specifications
Assist across all stages of production,



including harvest, grape intake, fermentation, maturation, blending, stabilisation, filtration and bottling
Carry out day-to-day quality monitoring through analytical testing and sensory evaluation and recommend corrective actions
Set up, run and report on winemaking trials as directed, and contribute to blending, fining and ferment tasting
Maintain tank, stock and winemaking records, and prepare reports to support production planning and inventory management
Assist with fruit maturity sampling and vineyard visits during vintage
Work with the Production & Export Logistics Coordinator to support timely and accurate production of wine as planned
Follow regulatory, compliance and food safety requirements in all winemaking activities
Follow and contribute to sustainable winemaking practices and environmental improvement initiatives
Participate in health, safety and wellbeing programs and help maintain a positive safety culture
Provide technical winemaking support to Viticulture, Operations, Sales and Marketing teams
Degree in Oenology, Viticulture or related discipline
Relevant experience as a winemaker across all aspects of the winemaking process
Sound technical knowledge of wine production, wine chemistry and quality assurance
Ability to evaluate wine quality through analytical and sensory assessment




Experience in cool climate winemaking and the Marlborough region is an advantage
Experience working with external production facilities, contract winemaking operations or bottling providers will be highly regarded
Attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency
Well-developed organisational and planning skills, with the ability to adapt
Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
The ability to work collaboratively across teams, and independently
A proactive and practical approach, with good problem-solving skills
Experience with winery management systems and accurate record keeping
Current driver's licence
Be a New Zealand or Australian citizen or permanent resident, or have already secured the right to work in New Zealand and therefore hold a valid visa
Why join Catalina Sounds and Joval?
Work with one of New Zealand's leading wine brands and a highly regarded winemaking team
Influence wines from vineyard through to bottle, and contribute to innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
Enjoy a strong family culture, where people are valued, and professional development is encouraged
Be part of a larger wine portfolio and business, surrounded by wine experts and fully immersed in the wine industry
Live and work in Blenheim, central to Marlborough vineyards and wineries
Great additional benefits such as car allowance, wellness leave, wine allowance and access to the Red + White Cellar NZ portfolio at wholesale pricing
If you would like to learn more and request a copy of the position description, visit /
Wine Network Consulting is recruiting for this role on behalf of Catalina Sounds.
Wine Network Consulting
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📌 Winemaker - Catalina Sounds (Maryborough)
🏢 Catalina Sounds
📍 Maryborough