Current Vacancies

Hattingley Valley has been producing award-winning sparkling wine since 2010, planting its first vineyard in 2008. The heart of the wine comes from our 8.2 hectares of vineyards here in Hampshire where we carefully manage two distinct vineyard sites. Growing the classic sparkling varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, we also have small parcels of Bacchus and Pinot Gris. In addition to this we take in grapes from across the UK for both our own production and on behalf of contract winemaking clients.  Wines coming out of the Hattingley Valley stable have won more Gold Medals than any other winery in the UK.

The business has grown exponentially since its inception, and we are now one of the largest wineries in the UK, as well as being the most significant exporter of English wine to the rest of the world.

Production Assistant

Reports to: Production
Manager

Purpose

A rare opportunity to join the full-time team of one of England’s leading sparkling wine producers. We are looking for a Production Assistant to work in both the production and winery cellars, focusing on the storage, riddling, disgorging, labelling and packaging part of the process. Reporting to the Production Manager, the right candidate will have the willingness to assist in producing the highest quality wines for both Hattingley and our clients. They should be keen to learn about quality sparkling winemaking along with a desire to ensure quality is maintained whilst meeting health and safety regulations. Working with the Production Manager, you will assist with the running of the daily operations in the warehouse and production cellar for all wines. This will include maintenance and cleaning of the machines, assisting with the riddling and disgorging schedules, and labelling and packaging of finished goods for Hattingley Valley and our clients. All with a focus on quality management, safety and efficiency. It requires careful maintenance and monitoring of both wine stock and dry goods for numerous product lines. The most technical part of the sparkling winemaking process, utilising semi-automated lines imported from the Champagne region of France, we
understand there will be a need for training and time to get the right candidate comfortable with the disgorging process. It is more important to recruit for attitude and aptitude, offering on-the-job training for the specialist aspects. This is an ideal role for someone who wishes to gain a full understanding of the whole sparkling wine process and wants to get involved with the burgeoning domestic English wine industry. There will also be the opportunity to work in the winery cellar, particularly at peak times such as harvest and bottling, and assist with logistics, events, tastings and tours for the public and trade on and off-site.

Essential Skills

  • Enthusiasm to learn about the whole winemaking process with a particular focus on the final finishing processes.
  • A practical aptitude for problem-solving and attention to detail is essential.
  • Numerate and literate – confident in the ability to understand what is required and the ability to record key data during the production process.
  • Perform scheduled, day-to-day maintenance and quality
    checks on all production lines
  • Ability to work under pressure at times.
  • A flexible approach to working hours and duties during
    critical times such as harvest and bottling is essential.
  • A forklift licence would be an advantage. Willingness to
    learn to drive a forklift (full training given) is essential if no license is held.
  • Ability to work within a team.
  • Preparedness to interact with consumers and trade visitors
    at tours and events on some occasions.
  • Must be able to lift 25kg.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods.
  • Driving license and own transport essential due to rural
    location.

Salary: Commensurate with
experience. Training is offered where necessary to do the job, and eligible additional professional development is offered after one year of service is completed satisfactorily.

Hours: 37.5 hours Monday to Friday 8.30 to 4.30 (30 minutes for lunch) – with additional hours as required at harvest and bottling

Benefits: Company pension scheme, 25 days paid holiday plus all Public Holidays, staff wine allowance and discounts, opportunities to taste a variety of wines both English and from elsewhere

 

Please send your application to the Production Manager, Alastair Goddard: alastair.goddard@hattingleyvalley.co.uk or alternatively post to: Hattingley Valley Wines Ltd, Wield Yard, Lower Wield, Alresford, SO24 9AJ by 31st March 2023

T: +44 (0)1256 389188  |  E: office@hattingleyvalley.co.uk  |  W: www.hattingleyvalley.co.uk Registered in England No. 07311421

Senior Cellarhand

Reports to: Winemakers

Purpose

An exciting role to become the cornerstone of Hattingley Valley’s cellar. A rapidly growing wine business, Hattingley Valley is looking for an experienced, motivated, and competent individual to provide the experience and commitment to high standards that ensure daily winery operations are completed to specification. This role will require working to a high professional standard, with a daily commitment to continuous improvement and a high level of organisational abilities.  

The Candidate

This role suits a candidate with a wine industry background and/or qualifications, with proven winery cellar experience, who wants to bring their skillset to a dedicated winery team. Ideal candidates will have overseas wine production experience and exposure to different harvests, as well as organisational and mechanical ability combined with excellent forklift driving skills.

Major Responsibilities

  • Responsible for ensuring all winery operations are completed to specification. 
  • Running pressing, racking, additions, blending, filtering, and bottling operations.
  • Capable of independent cellar work and being the senior member of staff operating on the winery cellar floor.
  • At harvest, organising, guiding, and training temporary harvest staff.
  • Ensuring that the winery cellar and equipment are maintained to an impeccably high standard of cleanliness, organisation, and serviceability.
  • At essential times of the year, some assistance to the Production & Warehouse team to disgorge, label and make ready wines for storage and collection may be required.
  • Some assistance during marketing events and promotional activities may be required.
  • Long hours are a pre-requisite at harvest (October) and at bottling.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

  • Must have a passion for wine production, and sparkling wine in particular.
  • Winery cellar experience and completion of several wine harvest essentials.
  • Overseas wine production experiences a distinct advantage.
  • Mechanical ability and background are distinct advantages.
  • A practical aptitude for problem-solving and attention to detail is essential.
  • Numerate and literate – confidence in the ability to understand a complex production picture and record key data during the winemaking process is essential.
  • The ability to work under pressure is essential.
  • The ability to work within a team is essential.
  • A flexible approach to working hours and duties during critical times such as harvest and bottling is essential.
  • Background or qualifications in Viticulture & Oenology an advantage.
  • Forklift qualification is essential; scissor lift qualification is an advantage.
  • Full Clean UK Driving Licence essential.
  • First Aid certification is an advantage.
  • Ability to lift 25kgs, climb ladders and stand for long periods essential.
  • Preparedness to interact with consumers and trade visitors at tours and events on occasion.
  • Applicants must have a confirmed right to work in the UK (pre-existing visa or residency rights). Please note that Hattingley Valley does not sponsor visa applications.
  • Please also note that Hattingley Valley reserves the right not to reply to applicants who do not appear to meet the requirements for work in the UK. 

Salary: Commensurate with experience.

Training: Whilst this role requires previous winery experience, training may be offered where necessary to do some parts of the job. Eligible additional professional development offered after one year of service is completed satisfactorily.

Hours: 37.5 hours Monday to Friday 8.30 to 4.30 (30 minutes for lunch) – with additional hours as required at harvest and bottling.

Benefits: Company pension scheme, 25 days paid holiday plus all Public Holidays, staff wine allowance and discounts, opportunities to taste a variety of wines both English and from elsewhere.

Salary will depend on experience and skills.  This is a full-time permanent role based in Hampshire.

Please apply by 30th March 2023 using email to office@hattingleyvalley.co.uk

Alternatively, post to: Hattingley Valley Wines Ltd, Wield Yard, Lower Wield, Alresford, SO24 9AJ

T: +44 (0)1256 389188 |  E: office@hattingleyvalley.co.uk  |  W: www.hattingleyvalley.co.uk Registered in England No. 07311421