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
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)
06.2019 - Current
- Deliver wine training courses as an approved program provider the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (UK)
Senior Quality Assurance Lead
Mavlab
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
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
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
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
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