We are seeking an experienced Winemaker with product development that will lead the end-to-end development of multiple wine-based products from early-stage concepts through pilot trials and full-scale production. They will evaluate market-driven ideas and translate them into commercially viable formulations while ensuring alignment with cost targets, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. The Product Development Winemaker will apply their knowledge of FDA regulations, labeling, and compliance to support accurate product development and successful market readiness. The right applicant will drive innovation through hands-on experimentation, ingredient sourcing, and process optimization. Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and new ingredients to continuously enhance product development and maintain a competitive edge.
$85k - $120k DOE
Essential Duties:
- Understand and analyze marketing concepts with the objective to determine suitability/applicability to viable commercial products
- Conduct trials, within each product specification, to determine the most suitable ingredients available in the marketplace, including extractions and/or ingredient isolation techniques
- Analyze project cost to be within company profitability
- Develop formulas for regulatory filing and labeling requirements
- Develop production flow chart of each pilot product
- Define each pilot product’s timeline from product development to production
- Develop criteria for QC/QA
- Conduct trials to determine product consistency and repeatability for appearance, aroma and flavor profile
- Conducts sensory and chemical trials to determine product shelf-life stability
- Collaborate with Procurement dept and QA dept to evaluate most suitable packaging containers
- Works across functions and communicates with all functional and operating groups on labeling and compliance matters.
- Ability to travel to any location where the Company operates as business needs dictate.
- Communicates cross-functionally and stays abreast of current and emerging issues and opportunities, and related impact on products and product technology.
- Develop company knowledge by staying current with latest products introduced into the market place, introduction of new ingredients and processing techniques available by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in food science or BS in enology applied to RTD. A science background with relevant experience will be considered.
- 3 years of R&D experience is highly preferred, including commercialization and production plant experience, preferably in the carbonated beverage industry
- Good mathematical and scientific calculation skills, and be able to document the steps
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills using systematic methods
- High attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of the role
- Knowledge of FDA regulations
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to multitask and manage projects with competing priorities
- Willing to work a flexible schedule that may include different hours to accommodate trial runs
- Highly independent with little direction needed
- IFT Certified Food Scientist is preferred
- Knowledge of quality control testing methods and Good Manufacturing Practices to drive development and improvement projects to integrate formulas into manufacturing successfully.
- Ability to collect, analyze, and summarize process quality information and trends.
- Computer literacy required with proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Word.
- Face situations that have a variety of interpretations and require careful evaluation.
- Review formulas and technical documents.
- Knowledge of FDA regulations and policies.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
- Working conditions in certain areas of the winery are cold, wet, slippery, and noisy.
- Irregular shifts and long hours may be required, especially during harvest.
- Frequent walking, including going up and down stairs and ladders, and bending is required.
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs.
- PPE must be worn at all times as necessary
Our Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- & much more!
Please note it is not typical for a new hire to be offered compensation at or near the top of that range. The final salary offered will depend on several factors, such as the candidate’s qualifications, education, and experience. It will also take into account internal equity as well as alignment with current market data.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
Pay: $85,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Research & development: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Napa, CA 94558 (Required)
Work Location: In person
