Sensory Evaluator

Sensory Evaluator Job Description

The Sensory Evaluator will be responsible for conducting sensory analysis of the winery’s wines to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with the winery's standards. This individual will evaluate wines based on taste, aroma, texture, and overall quality, providing detailed feedback to the winemaking team to help improve and maintain high-quality wine production. The ideal candidate will have a refined palate, a passion for wine, and an understanding of the sensory evaluation process.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular sensory evaluations of wines at various stages of production, including barrel samples, finished wines, and blends.
• Assess the taste, aroma, mouthfeel, appearance, and overall balance of wines, providing objective feedback on quality and consistency.
• Work closely with the winemaking team to identify potential issues such as off-flavors, oxidation, or bottle variation.
• Document and report sensory findings, including detailed tasting notes, evaluations, and trends.
• Provide input on blending decisions, ensuring the final wine profile aligns with the winery’s intended style and quality.
• Develop and refine wine profiles by assessing key characteristics and identifying any areas for improvement.
• Train and calibrate sensory panels, ensuring consistent and reliable evaluations across tasters.
• Stay current on sensory evaluation techniques and industry trends to enhance the winery’s quality control processes.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop tasting notes and product descriptions for wine releases.
• Participate in sensory panel coordination, ensuring unbiased evaluations and accurate feedback on each wine.
• Provide actionable feedback to the production team regarding sensory issues and areas for improvement.
• Ensure that sensory evaluation processes comply with industry standards and regulations.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in sensory evaluation, wine tasting, or a related field, ideally in a winery or professional tasting environment.
• A degree in Enology, Viticulture, Food Science, or a related field, or equivalent sensory training and experience.
• Formal training in sensory evaluation (e.g., WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers) is highly preferred.
• Exceptional ability to identify and articulate wine aromas, flavors, and textures with a refined palate.
• Strong attention to detail in documenting sensory data and identifying subtle variations in wine quality.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to clearly report findings and collaborate with the winemaking team.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment, providing constructive feedback to improve wine quality.
• Organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple evaluations and tasks efficiently.
• Flexibility to participate in sensory evaluations during evenings, weekends, or special events as needed.
• Ability to work in a winery environment and participate in multiple tastings per day.

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