Daniel Balaza
Barmera,Australia
Summary
Cellar Hand with extensive experience in fermentation monitoring, wine blending, and filtration systems. Proven ability to collaborate effectively within teams and solve complex problems while adhering to safety regulations and sanitation procedures. Demonstrated success in leading workload distribution and managing both large and small blending operations.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Leading Hand
The Wine Group
Loxton, SA
11.2024 - Current
- Distributed workload among staff to maximize productivity.
- Conducted large-scale blending operations efficiently.
- Executed additions and finings including tannins, PVPP, carbon, oak, and pH adjustments.
- Managed operations and troubleshooting for heat exchangers, DT Float, X-flow, and earth filters.
- Coordinated loading and unloading of tankers and export containers.
- Performed pre-operation checks for work orders ensuring readiness.
- Supervised 'Clean Wine and Juice' section to maintain quality standards.
- Entered data into production spreadsheets to enhance operational efficiency.
Cellar Hand (leading Hand/Shift Supervisor)
Winemasters South Australia
Monash, Australia
02.2014 - 10.2024
- Distributed workload effectively among staff to enhance productivity.
- Supervised vintage production areas for both white and red wines.
- Executed shut down and secured production site at end of operating hours.
- Operated machines including Crossflow, Centrifuge (417), RDVF, Earth filter, and Heat Exchangers.
- Conducted large and small blending operations with precision.
- Performed various additions and finnings such as tannins, pH adjustment, carbon, and PVPP.
- Achieved sustainability accreditation for Winemasters through comprehensive efforts.
- Served as chairperson of WHS Committee and contributing to HACCP committee.
Laboratory Technician
Winemasters South Australia
Monash, Australia
07.2017 - 02.2019
- Completing Analysis Routine Analysis
- NTU, Sulphur, Ph/TA, Enzymatic Analysis, Alcohol, Colour (spectrometer), solids determination and heat and cold stability.
- Compiled laboratory test data to perform appropriate analyses.
- Calibrated, validated and maintained laboratory equipment.
- Adhered to and enforced stated safety policies and procedures.
- Provided technical guidance and training to junior technicians on laboratory safety practices and procedures.
- Utilized appropriate cleanup and safety methods to mitigate hazardous material incidents.
Education
Bachelor of Wine Science -
Charles Sturt University
Wagga Wagga, NSW01-2029
Certificate 3 - Wine Industry operations (cellar)
Tafe Sa
BARMERA, Sa01.2018
Certificate 3 - Community services work
TAFE Sa
Berri, Sa01.2018
Skills
- Sanitation procedures
- Safety regulations
- Chemical handling
- Temperature control
- Fermentation monitoring
- Wine blending
- Tasting analysis
- Crushing and destemming
- Pump-over techniques
- Racking and transferring
- Filtration systems
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Problem-solving skills
Certification
- Car
- Forklift
- Confided Space Entry
References
- Helen Foggo, former Senior Winemaker, Riverland Vintners, 0413448352
- Robert Ogle, Cellar Manager, Winemasters, South Australia, 0467049315
- Kylie Wheeler, Current Senior Winemaker, Winemasters, South Australia, 0432 477 688
Others are available upon request
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Leading Hand
The Wine Group
11.2024 - Current
Laboratory Technician
Winemasters South Australia
07.2017 - 02.2019
Cellar Hand (leading Hand/Shift Supervisor)
Winemasters South Australia
02.2014 - 10.2024
Bachelor of Wine Science -
Charles Sturt University
Certificate 3 - Wine Industry operations (cellar)
Tafe Sa
Certificate 3 - Community services work
TAFE Sa
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