David King
Flinders Park,SA
Summary
With over 15 years experience as an accomplished winemaker at Andrew Peace Wines, I have led the continual development of new products and initiatives that have enhanced wine quality and production efficiency. In my role I've driven projects to completion, significantly improving product offerings and operational excellence by embracing innovative techniques. I possess a strong work ethic, am extremely motivated; have accomplished high level management and leadership skills. I am personable, approachable, friendly and respectful to those I work with. I am a co-operative and inclusive team member and am also an independent worker.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Winemaker
Andrew Peace Wines
01.2014 - Current
- Managed day to day operations of the winery
- Demonstrated strong organisational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Conducted tastings for International wine buyers and customers
- Mentored junior winemakers, fostering professional growth through hands-on training in various aspects of the winemaking process.
- Kept operations in compliance with company, safety and legal requirements.
- Expert in the export of Australian wine and necessary documentation required for each market. Eg VI1 export certification, Japanese Certificate of Analysis, Metals and pesticide analysis.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Liaised with wine brokers in attracting new customers and maintaining relationships with existing customers.
- Managed bulk wine supply levels and sourced additional volumes due to shortfalls.
- Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Negotiated with suppliers and customers to achieve best outcomes and pricing for the company
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Expert in Kosher Winemaking
- Highly experienced in Cellar Operations such as: transfers, racking, pumpovers, Cross Flow filtration, RDV filtration, tanker and container loading, crushing, pressing, Continuous Juice Flotation and additions
- Wine and juice analysis skills in a NATA certified laboratory
- Fining trials for juice and wine
- Developed and updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) for winery equipment and processes.
Winemaker
Andrew Peace Wines
01.2012 - 12.2013
- Evaluated competitor wines regularly, identifying areas for potential improvement within our own product lineup or adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Monitored harvest activities closely to determine ideal picking times based on weather conditions and ripeness levels of grapes.
- Mentored junior winemakers, fostering professional growth through hands-on training in various aspects of the winemaking process.
- Participated in industry events, representing the winery at trade shows and tastings to expand brand recognition and market presence.
- Leveraged extensive knowledge of international markets to drive export sales efforts, expanding overall customer base beyond local regions.
- Increased production efficiency through optimisation of blending procedures and equipment usage.
- Developed new wine profiles by experimenting with different grape varieties and fermentation methods.
- Kept operations in compliance with company, safety and legal requirements.
Assistant Winemaker
Andrew Peace Wines
01.2009 - 12.2011
- Supported the smooth operation of tasting rooms by providing technical information on wines to sales staff and customers when necessary.
- Ensured consistent wine profiles by conducting meticulous blending trials and adjustments.
- Enhanced wine quality by implementing rigorous fermentation monitoring and management techniques.
- Optimised cellar organisation through diligent space planning and precise allocation of resources to meet production needs.
Harvest Cellarhand
Principe Corsini
09.2011 - 11.2011
- Vinification of the different grape varieties Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Colorino.
- Assisted in the vineyards of Chianti with hand picking
- Performed pumpovers, plunging, racking, pressing, crushing, additions and emptying, filling and cleaning of barrels.
- Daily ferment tastings with the winemakers to assess quality and discuss production techniques for each wine
- Labelling and packaging with respect to Chianti Classico regulations
Winery Cellarhand
M.Chapoutier
09.2008 - 12.2008
- Vinification of the different grape varieties; Syrah, Marsanne and Viognier.
- Improvement of tasting skills in the different appellations of the northern Rhone Valley; such as Hermitage, Cornas, Condrieu and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
- Pump overs, plunging, racking, pressing, crushing and additions.
- Assisting in the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage in preparation for vintage.
- Exposure to French oenological procedures and an appreciation of the history of Hermitage and the other appellations of the Rhone Valley.
Vintage Cellarhand
Hardy's Tintara
01.2008 - 05.2008
- Responsible for operation and management of white wine cellar.
- Continuous use of Forklift for moving tanks, tipping grape bins and stacking barrels.
- Rehydration, cultivation and inoculation of yeast cultures.
- Use of various fining agents such as skim milk, isinglass, bentonite and casein for addition to wines.
- Coordinating with winemakers to ensure procedures are completed successfully and product is of the highest quality.
Education
Bachelor of Agricultural Science - Oenology
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA06.2006
Skills
- Professional Demeanor
- Decision Making
- Safety understanding
- Organizational Skills
- Professionalism
- Problem-solving abilities
- Self Motivation
- Production experience
- Expert Communicator
- Quality Control
- Attention to Detail
- Relationship Building
Accomplishments
- Oversaw Andrew Peace Wines expand in production from 30,000 Tonnes to 50,000 Tonnes in the past 10 years.
- Led the development of new export markets for the company and sourced new international and domestic customers.
- Managed a team of 16 full time staff members and over 40 during the vintage period.
- Improved winery efficiency with regard to production, filtration and loading.
- Developed new wine styles and blends.
- Improved overall wine quality for the company which has lead to award winning entries in domestic and international wine shows
- Managed the transition to Vintrace winery software
- Research and development in winery additions leading to Vegan certification for all wines in the portfolio.
- Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA) certification for the winery and vineyards
Certification
- WSET Level 4 Diploma of Wines (4 units completed)
- WSET Level 3 Wine Course (Pass with Distinction)
- WSET Level 2 Wine Course (Pass with Distinction)
- Victorian High Risk License (Forklift)
- Heavy Rigid (HR) License
- Level 2 First Aid and CPR certification
- Confined Space Permit
- Inland Wine Show Associate Judge (2016, 2022)
Other Interests
Waterskiing
Motorbike Riding
Scuba Diving
Real Estate and property renovation
Rugby Union
Timeline
Senior Winemaker
Andrew Peace Wines
01.2014 - Current
Winemaker
Andrew Peace Wines
01.2012 - 12.2013
Harvest Cellarhand
Principe Corsini
09.2011 - 11.2011
Assistant Winemaker
Andrew Peace Wines
01.2009 - 12.2011
Winery Cellarhand
M.Chapoutier
09.2008 - 12.2008
Vintage Cellarhand
Hardy's Tintara
01.2008 - 05.2008
Bachelor of Agricultural Science - Oenology
University of Adelaide
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