Jessica Ferguson
Mount Cotton,QLD
Summary
Dynamic winemaking professional with expertise in enology and a proven track record of enhancing wine quality through innovative techniques. Skilled in sensory evaluation and team collaboration.
Experienced wine educator with training business affiliated with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (UK), delivering face-to-face wine training for industry, trade and hospitality professionals.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Winemaker
Sirromet Wines
Mount Cotton, QLD, Australia
07.2021 - Current
- Manage all aspects of wine production and packagaging for a small-medium winery (approx 200T annual crush)
- Participate in industry events, representing the winery at technical conferences, trade shows and tastings to expand brand recognition and market presence.
- Liase closely with vineyard manager to produce high quality grapes from elevated vineyard sites in the Granite Belt region of Queensland
- Manage a small and versatile production team through all processing from from grape to bottle
- Enhance wine quality by implementing innovative fermentation techniques and processes.
- Implement stringent quality control measures to ensure consistency among all products before being released for sale.
- Improve cellar management practices to maximize barrel usage efficiency while maintaining optimal aging conditions for each individual wine variety produced at the facility.
- Incorporate sustainable winemaking practices throughout the entire production process, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing product quality or yield rates.
Wine Educator (freelance)
VinScholar (WSET Approved Program Provider)
Mount Cotton, QLD
06.2019 - Current
- Deliver wine training courses as an approved program provider the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (UK)
Senior Quality Assurance Lead
Mavlab
Slacks Creek, QLD
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Reduced product defects through detailed root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
- Mentored junior team members, promoting continuous learning and professional development.
- Authored, reviewed, and approved quality assurance documentation to maintain compliance.
- Left to take up a senior management position in the wine industry.
Winemaker/Assistant Winemaker
Sirromet Wines
Mount Cotton, QLD
07.2011 - 09.2020
- Reporting to Chief Winemaker and liaising with Bottling Manager, guided winemaking team through all winemaking processes from grape to ready to bottle wine.
- Utilized advanced laboratory testing equipment as part of routine quality assurance checks, ensuring each wine met desired criteria for taste, color, and aroma.
- Increased production efficiency through optimization of blending procedures and equipment usage.
- Conducted regular tastings with staff members to maintain a comprehensive understanding of house wine styles
- Managed contract winemaking and bottling relationships to provide outstanding services to external clients
Laboratory Supervisor/Quality Assurance
Sirromet WInes
Mount Cotton, QLD
05.2005 - 06.2011
Senior Quality Assurance Lead
New Products Development
Eagle Farm, QLD
03.2004 - 05.2005
Analytical Chemist
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals
Montrose, Scotland, UK
09.2001 - 06.2003
Analytical Chemist
Analytical Service Laboratories
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
04.1999 - 07.2000
Industrial Chemist
Allison Laboratories
Hobart, TAS
01.1994 - 01.1999
Education
WSET Diploma in Wine - Wine
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
London, UK03-2024
Advanced Wine Assessment Course - Wine Judging And Sensory
Australian Wine Research Insitute
Adelaide, SA09-2014
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Tasmania
TAS05-1995
Skills
- Sensory evaluation
- Enology principles
- Wine chemistry expertise
- Wine production planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication
- Continuous improvement
Timeline
Chief Winemaker
Sirromet Wines
07.2021 - Current
Senior Quality Assurance Lead
Mavlab
01.2021 - 06.2021
Wine Educator (freelance)
VinScholar (WSET Approved Program Provider)
06.2019 - Current
Winemaker/Assistant Winemaker
Sirromet Wines
07.2011 - 09.2020
Laboratory Supervisor/Quality Assurance
Sirromet WInes
05.2005 - 06.2011
Senior Quality Assurance Lead
New Products Development
03.2004 - 05.2005
Analytical Chemist
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals
09.2001 - 06.2003
Analytical Chemist
Analytical Service Laboratories
04.1999 - 07.2000
Industrial Chemist
Allison Laboratories
01.1994 - 01.1999
WSET Diploma in Wine - Wine
Wine & Spirit Education Trust
Advanced Wine Assessment Course - Wine Judging And Sensory
Australian Wine Research Insitute
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
University of Tasmania