Yaxiao(Sara) Zhang
Loxton,SA
Summary
Proficient winemaker bringing 10 years of experience in field and strong commitment to quality. Dependable and hardworking with good understanding of wine management, troubleshooting and innovation. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Winemaker
Accolade Wines
01.2023 - Current
- Manage a diverse wine portfolio, including table white, rose, sparkling and wine-base products.
- Conduct vineyard assessment and grading to daily winemaking management in a high standard
- Ensure wine meets the packaging requirement in a timely manner.
- Kept operations in compliance with company, safety and legal requirements.
Winemaker
The Wine Group
09.2019 - 12.2022
- Manage all the TWG white wine, from grape receival to bottle ready, including 7 varieties (e.g. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris), crossing 4 regions (e.g. Langhorne Creek, Limestone Coast and Riverland).
- Previously managed spirits and low alcohol products along with winemaking role.
- Technical consulting for lab, including reviewing SOP, equipment trouble shooting, lab training, etc.
Assistant Winemaker
West Cape Howe Wines
02.2019 - 06.2019
- Daily cellar management and supervise cellar team during vintage.
- Manage both red and white grapes, especially Riesling and Chardonnay.
- The 2019 Porongurup Riesling has won the Best Australian Riesling Trophy at Canberra International Riesling Challenge.
Winemaking Consultant Assistant
Optimum Vineyard
09.2018 - 11.2018
- Work for six estates crossing Entre-Deux-Mers to Saint Emilion, from 40 to 400-tonnes facilities, from generic AOC Bordeaux to biodynamic estates.
- Vineyard assessment, berry sampling, daily cellar work and management, crushing, fermentation monitoring, etc.
Lab Technician
Villa Maria Winery
02.2018 - 05.2018
Assistant Winemaker
Growers Wine Group
04.2014 - 08.2017
- Involved in all winemaking operations, from crushing to wine bottle ready.
- Customer liaison and company representative for Asian market, attending wine shows, winery tour, wine tasting host, signing contracts, etc.
Vintage Assistant Winemaker
Accolade Wines
01.2014 - 04.2014
Education
Diploma of Sommelier -
CAFA Formation
Bordeaux, France06.2018
Master of Science - Oenology
University of Adelaide
Adelaide, SA04.2014
Skills
- Complete winemaking skills from small boutique wineries to large commercial ones
- Broad winemaking experiences, including table white and red wine, sparkling (carbonation, charmat & transfer method), zero &low alcohol, spirits, wine base products, etc
- Worldwide winemaking hands-on experience, eg NZ, France, Australia
- Experience in product promoting, marketing and customer liaison
- Wine judge for Winestate Magazine and wine shows
- Experience with EZY wine and AS400 system
- Languages: Mandarin (advance), English (fluent), French and Italian (primary)
Timeline
Winemaker
Accolade Wines
01.2023 - Current
Winemaker
The Wine Group
09.2019 - 12.2022
Assistant Winemaker
West Cape Howe Wines
02.2019 - 06.2019
Winemaking Consultant Assistant
Optimum Vineyard
09.2018 - 11.2018
Lab Technician
Villa Maria Winery
02.2018 - 05.2018
Assistant Winemaker
Growers Wine Group
04.2014 - 08.2017
Vintage Assistant Winemaker
Accolade Wines
01.2014 - 04.2014
Diploma of Sommelier -
CAFA Formation
Master of Science - Oenology
University of Adelaide
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