Enologist
Job Title: Enologist
Job Location: Paso Robles, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Compensation: $23 – $28 per hour DOE
Summary: Opolo Wines LP, is seeking a detail-oriented Enologist to oversee quality control during bottling, ensure accurate wine and packaging tracking, and manage regulatory compliance. This role requires strong analytical skills, a high level of organization, and experience with bottling QA/QC, inventory management, and TTB compliance. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced production environment while maintaining precision and consistency across all bottling and reporting activities.
Qualifications & Skills:
• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Enology, or related sciences• 2-4 years of hands-on laboratory experience
• Experience with winery compliance
• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, and Outlook. Experience with Vintrace a plus.
• Ability to manage workload and prioritize effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of professionalism and attention to detail.
Key Responsibilities:
• Prepare and execute pre bottling analysis (FSO2, DO and CO2)• Bottling QC: tank preparation according to winemaker’s specification
• Running and managing all QC checks during bottling (Fill heights, vacuum, DO, label specs)
• Ability to use, calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment in good working conditions
• Preparing reagents, standards and solutions
• Coordinate bottling trials and assist with final wine touch ups prior to bottling.
• Maintain clean and organized lab space
• Accurately document and report bottling analysis (data entry) in production software
• Communicating with winery clients and their final bottling specifications
• Managing bottling supply inventory with winery software(vintrace)
• Completing all packaging workorders in Vintrace
• Overseeing and administering the day-to-day operation of the Lab
• Purchasing all required lab equipment and supplies as necessary
• Detailed record keeping of all lab results and maintaining of wine database system (Vintrace)
• Maintaining SDS of all winery chemicals and adhere to winery SOP’s
• Performing juice or wine analysis in a timely fashion. Includes but not limited to pH, TA, VA, ALC, DO, Glu/Fru, FSO2, TSO2, color index, L- Malic, YAN, heat / cold stability
• Setting up various wine bench trials as requested by winemaking team
• Performing yeast inoculation, nutrient additions during harvest
• Collecting samples from tanks, barrels, and bins
• All other such enology-related duties as the Enologist believes is necessary or as the winemaking team may reasonably require from time to time
Physical Requirements:
• Must be able to work long hours during peak periods, including weekends and nights (especially during harvest or special events)• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, walk/stand for extended periods, and climb ladders
• Adherence to all winery safety protocols is required
Schedule & Compensation:
We offer competitive pay based on experience and qualifications. Our benefits package includes:• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Direct deposit
• Wellness program
Opolo Wines, LP is an established family winery in Paso Robles, CA that produces and sells wines and distilled spirits. Opolo offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications with a benefit package.
For all inquiries, please email a cover letter and resume to VirginiaA@opolo.com and include the title of the job you are applying for in the subject line.