Job Description
Job Description:
Chateau Grand Traverse (CGT) is a pioneering family-owned winery with over 50 years of heritage, located on the scenic Old Mission Peninsula in Northern Michigan. Producing 80,000+ cases annually, we specialize in cool-climate vinifera wines—including Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Gamay, and regionally iconic Cherry wines. As we embark on a generational leadership transition, we’re seeking a transformative winemaker to lead our production team into the future.
The Winemaker & Head of Production is a hands-on, strategic role overseeing all facets of wine production—from vineyard to bottle. This individual will join CGT’s leadership team and be responsible for winemaking, lab and cellar operations, vineyard planning, inventory oversight, and cross-functional team leadership. You will lead a talented team across cellar, lab, vineyard, and production functions, unifying a historically siloed operation. The ideal candidate is both a seasoned winemaker and a systems-minded production leader with a passion for cool-climate viticulture and operational excellence with the following key responsibilities:
Winemaking & Enology
• Direct all winemaking activities from harvest planning to blending, aging, and bottling
• Lead stylistic direction across estate-grown and sourced fruit programs
• Balance artisan small-lot production with scalable commercial bottling
• Oversee QA protocols, sensory evaluation panels, and data-driven blending decisions
• Implement and enforce SOPs, safety protocols, sanitation, and compliance with TTB/state regulations
• Ensure equipment is fully operational and maintained
• Lab accuracy
Vineyard & Grower Collaboration
• Coordinate with vineyard team on ripening/harvest schedules, yield targets, and pest/disease control
• Analyze ripeness data (Brix, pH, TA, phenolics) to schedule optimal harvest timing
• Contribute to long-term sustainability, sourcing strategy, and varietal planning
Production & Manufacturing
• Lead the full lifecycle of wine production—bottling, barrel management, inventory movement
• Manage bonded/unbonded warehousing, raw material procurement, and logistics
• Drive accuracy across production tracking systems (Vintrace)
Quality Control & Lab Oversight
• Supervise lab staff, ensuring product stability and specification compliance
• Troubleshoot product variance issues
Strategic Planning & Financial Management
• Define and monitor KPIs for yield, cost efficiency, and labor utilization
• Collaborate on annual production plans, capital improvements, and product development timelines
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, P&L contributions, and resource allocation
Team Leadership & Development
• Lead and mentor cellar crew, assistant winemaker, lab team, and seasonal interns
• Establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Structure hiring, training, performance reviews, and staff planning
Ideal Candidate Profile
• 5-10+ years of progressive winemaking leadership, ideally in cool-climate vinifera centered viticulture
• Hands-on experience with cold-hardy varietals: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Grüner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, etc.
• Proven ability to manage both boutique and volume-tier production
• Track record of leading cross-functional production teams and implementing scheduling/efficiency systems
• Deep understanding of vineyard–winery alignment and juice sourcing strategy
• Familiar with production forecasting, cost control, and wine business P&L management
• Comfortable representing the winery at trade events, industry conferences, and in collaborative tastings
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Enology, Viticulture, Food Science, or related field preferred
• Familiarity with Vintrace or similar winemaking software a plus
• Strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills; able to diagnose and solve equipment issues in a production setting
Standard Physical & Environmental Requirements for Winemaking Roles
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. regularly
• Comfort and willingness to working in cool, damp, or wet environments
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and climb stairs/ladders for extended periods
• Manual dexterity to operate valves, clamps, and production tools
• Comfortable with repetitive tasks and periods of standing during bottling or lab work
• Ability to safely use cleaning and sanitizing agents
• Must be able to distinguish color, aroma, and taste profiles
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Ability to operate or learn basic forklift and pallet jack operation
• Comfortable with early morning, weekend, or seasonal extended hours
• Ability to use basic software and digital tools
Compensation & Benefits
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with 3% employer contribution
• Paid time off and holidays
• Executive-level influence in one of Midwest’s top wine programs
Why Join Us?
• Lead the future of a top-tier cool-climate winery during an exciting leadership evolution
• Work in a nationally recognized region with stunning freshwater coastlines, vibrant food culture, and unmatched four-season living
• Be part of an independent, family-owned business with legacy and heart—yet the freedom to innovate
Please include a resume, a cover letter outlining your winemaking philosophy and leadership experience and a portfolio or list of wines you’ve overseen.
CGT is located just 8 miles from downtown Traverse City, one of the most celebrated small towns in America; Nationally ranked as a “Best Small Town in America” (Condé Nast, Fodor’s, USA Today); Waterfront lifestyle with access to freshwater beaches, kayaking, boating, and fishing; Four-season outdoor recreation; Thriving local food, wine, arts, and music scene; Excellent regional healthcare; Top-rated schools and family-friendly amenities; Regional airport with direct flights to Major US cities.
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Job Tags
Full time, Local area, Weekend work, Early shift,