Job Description

Job Description:

Barnstormer Winery is looking for a Winemaker (or Assistant Winemaker, DOE) to join our small production team in the Finger Lakes, with the opportunity to quickly advance to the Winemaker role by the 2026 harvest (if hired as Assistant Winemaker).

Barnstormer opened in 2013 as a boutique, 3,500-case winery focused on high-quality, small-batch wines from single vineyards contracted around Seneca & Cayuga Lakes. With an emphasis on cool-climate dry reds, rosé, Riesling, and specialty dessert wines, we’re seeking a team-oriented, positive, self-starting, and knowledgeable candidate.

We currently have a small production team and consulting winemakers (including our current Head Winemaker, who is transitioning into a new role within the region but will remain available to support the transition if needed). Vineyard work and knowledge are required for managing our three-acre home vineyard, along with tractor and forklift experience.

This position also includes some tasting room involvement, including helping with staff coverage, elevated/ticketed wine tastings, wine club activities, and occasional off-site events.

Above all, we’re looking for an experienced, motivated, and collaborative winemaker who is passionate about producing top-tier Finger Lakes wines and excited to grow with our close-knit winery team. We typically process 40–45 tons of fruit annually and produce 18–20 unique wines per vintage.

Compensation & Schedule
Hourly pay DOE ($24–$26+/hr to start, with growth opportunity)

Highly flexible scheduling — we welcome applicants with outside projects or entrepreneurial interests

32–40 hours/week (April–November); 30~ hours/week (December–March)

Paid time off, flexible vacation time

401(k) with full 4% company match

Profit sharing bonuses

Opportunities to create your own private wine label

Responsibilities:
* Safely operate and maintain forklift & general winery processing equipment
* Ability to perform harvest duties and tasks. Processing grapes, fermentation tracking and management, ability to work under pressure and as a team, cellar organization & cleanliness, laboratory testing, sanitization protocols, racking and tank transfers, barrel cleanliness, etc
* Ensure that our cellar remains clean and sanitary
* Scheduling, glass ordering & coordination of bottling runs (we bottle off-site with another winery) along with quality control
* Ability to manage chemistries on our wines using our lab
* Materials ordering and vendor communication
* The ability to improve and develop systems
* Understanding and implementation of safety protocols
* Compliance and reporting
* Vineyard work in addition to our seasonal farm help. Experience running a tractor and detailed vineyard knowledge is a plus.
* Participation in local winemaker's tasting groups along with conference and trade show attendance
* Providing outstanding and knowledgeable service to customers in the tasting room
* You will work with the owner on wine production style & SKU needs, vineyard management practices and grower contracts along with having helping hands during harvest on the forklift and processing fruit.

REQUIREMENTS:
* A minimum of three years cellar / winemaking experience
* Winemaking degree (two year minimum) is a bonus
* Experience tasting and deciphering wine flavors & flaws
* Forklift experience & certification
* Ability to multi-task, prioritize and problem-solve; detail oriented and organized
* Flexible availability throughout the seasons to accomplish the various winery and vineyard tasks, along with reliable transportation
* Positive attitude and works well in a team environment, to accomplish shared goals
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Skilled logistical abilities
* Ability to lift 50 lbs. repeatedly
* Eligible to work in the United States

Compensation is hourly and will be based on experience ($24 - $26+/hr to start, with room to grow). Applications will be kept confidential. We will be reviewing applications through July 23rd with a hiring decision shortly after. Starting date will be between August 7th - August 15th, 2025 with training under our current winemaker & owner.

Please direct any applications to Scott Bronstein via e-mail. Three professional references will be required. We will reach out regarding any potential interviews.

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Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Seasonal work, Local area, Flexible hours,

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