Assistant Winemaker / Cellar Hand – Maternity Leave Cover

Assistant Winemaker / Cellarhand – Maternity Leave Cover

Location: Krinklewood Estate, Broke, Hunter Valley NSW

Employment type: Full-time, fixed-term maternity leave cover

Duration: Minimum six months, with the possibility of extension if required

Commencement: 4 January 2027, with some flexibility by agreement

Hours: 38 hours per week, with additional hours required during vintage

Remuneration: Market-competitive salary based on experience, plus superannuation

Krinklewood Estate is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Assistant Winemaker or Cellarhand to join our small winery team for a full‑time maternity leave cover position.

This role would suit an experienced cellar professional who has completed multiple vintages and is confident working autonomously. It offers the opportunity to take genuine responsibility for the day‑to‑day operation of the cellar while working within a clearly established winemaking program and with the support of an experienced replacement winemaker.

About Krinklewood

Krinklewood Estate is a certified organic and biodynamic vineyard and winery located in Broke, in the Hunter Valley.

We produce wines from our own certified organic and biodynamic vineyard while also providing contract processing for other wine producers.

During the upcoming vintage, we expect to process approximately 35 tonnes of fruit from our estate vineyard and several external growers, including both organic and conventionally grown fruit.

Maintaining strict separation between fruit and wines, preventing cross‑contamination,



and keeping accurate winery records are fundamental requirements of this role. Our organic and biodynamic certification also requires a high standard of traceability and documentation to support our ACO audits.

About the role

The successful candidate will initially work closely with our Head Winemaker, learning Krinklewood’s wines, cellar processes, production program and certification requirements before the Head Winemaker commences maternity leave in mid‑February.

During her leave, an experienced replacement winemaker will attend the winery approximately once a week to oversee the winemaking program, assess the wines and establish priorities for the week.

You will be responsible for carrying out that program and managing the day‑to‑day cellar operations between visits.

You will not be expected to make major winemaking decisions independently. However, you must have the experience and judgement to work autonomously, identify anything requiring attention and communicate promptly with the replacement winemaker.

Key responsibilities

During vintage, you will:

- Receive and process fruit, including crushing, pressing and transfers

- Undertake pump‑overs, plunging, racking, additions and fermentation work

- Conduct daily cellar and fermentation checks





- Follow the established winemaking program accurately

- Operate the forklift and other winery equipment safely

- Maintain excellent cellar hygiene and winery organisation

- Keep accurate production, traceability and compliance records

- Maintain strict separation between organic, biodynamic and conventional fruit and wines

- Assist with filtration, bottling and preparation for bottling

- Undertake general winery and equipment maintenance

- Communicate regularly with the replacement winemaker regarding progress, priorities and potential issues

- Manage and prioritise the daily cellar workload between winemaker visits

This is a hands‑on and physically demanding position, particularly during vintage. The successful candidate will be the primary person carrying out the cellar’s day‑to‑day operational work.

Additional hours and some weekend work may be required during vintage, depending on fruit arrivals and production requirements.

After vintage

Following vintage, the role will continue to support the day‑to‑day operation of the winery.

Responsibilities will include cellar work, wine preparation, filtration and bottling support, stock organisation, winery maintenance and the implementation of the weekly production plan.

The replacement winemaker will continue to provide oversight and establish priorities, while you will be trusted to carry out the required work independently and keep the winery operating safely, cleanly and efficiently.

About you

To be considered for this position, you w

📌 Assistant Winemaker (Broke)
🏢 Krinklewood Estate
📍 Broke