At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct juice and wine analysis during harvest and support the winemaking team.
- Company: Join Ridgeview, an award-winning English Sparkling Wine producer in Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, staff discounts, and stunning vineyard views.
- Other info: Work with a dynamic team in a pioneering environment for 4-6 weeks.
- Why this job: Experience the entire harvest process and learn from industry experts.
- Qualifications: Laboratory experience preferred; training provided for the right candidate.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
A unique opportunity for a vintage lab technician to join Ridgeview, a multi award‑winning English Sparkling Wine producer in Sussex, England.
About The Role
You’ll be responsible for carrying out juice and wine analysis during harvest. This will include processing of vineyard samples and ripeness analysis, juice analysis (TA, pH, SG, fSO₂), fermentation monitoring, and some basic wine analysis (alcohol by ebulliometry, residual sugar & malic acid by enzyme assay). You will record all data and report back to the winemaking team, follow all lab operating and safety procedures, and maintain a clean and organized workspace in the laboratory. There will be fruit sources received from exceptional vineyards across the whole of Southern England and you’ll witness the entire harvest process as part of our small, skilled and supportive team. You’ll pull together with the vintage cellar team, and most importantly, celebrate success together.
About You
- Laboratory experience – ideally you will be confident to run all the analysis techniques listed above, although training can be given where needed.
- Winery lab experience from at least one harvest will be considered beneficial.
- Be available for around four to six weeks from mid to end of September (actual dates to be confirmed nearer the time as will be dependent on harvest).
- Able to work 3 set days per week which are Friday – Sunday.
- Your own right to work in the UK.
Benefits
- The opportunity to work within an award‑winning business as part of a pioneering, proactive, dynamic and friendly team, at the forefront of the English Wine Industry.
- A unique experience to see the whole process, working alongside our Head Winemaker, Simon Roberts with over 25 years of experience.
- A competitive hourly rate.
- Your working hours will be spent in a stunning vineyard with unrivalled views of the South Downs.
- Staff discounts on Ridgeview wines while on contract.
2026 Vintage Laboratory Technician in Hassocks employer: Ridgeview Wine Estate
Ridgeview offers an exceptional opportunity for a Vintage Laboratory Technician to join a multi award-winning English Sparkling Wine producer in the picturesque Sussex countryside. With a focus on teamwork and collaboration, employees benefit from hands-on experience in a dynamic environment, competitive pay, and the chance to learn from industry experts while enjoying stunning vineyard views. The supportive culture and commitment to employee growth make Ridgeview an attractive employer for those seeking meaningful work in the thriving English wine industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Vintage Laboratory Technician in Hassocks
✨Get Involved with Seasonal Food Festivals
Food science and technology are often showcased at seasonal food festivals and fairs. These events not only allow us to network but also to demonstrate our skills through tastings, workshops, or presentations. Keep an eye out for local events where you can mingle with potential employers like Ridgeview Wine Estate!
✨Join Food Science Communities Online
There are loads of online communities focused on food science technology, like forums and Facebook groups. Engaging in discussions, asking questions, or sharing your projects can help us make connections and sometimes spot seasonal openings at companies such as Ridgeview Wine Estate that aren’t advertised widely.
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Seasonal Project
Why not start a seasonal project or research initiative that showcases your talents? Create a blog, a video series, or even an Instagram account documenting fun food experiments or recipes. This can make your application pop and attract the attention of companies like Ridgeview Wine Estate when they see your passion in action.
✨Use Your University’s Career Services Effectively
Don’t forget to tap into your university’s career services – they often have resources and connections specifically for seasonal roles in food science. They could have partnerships with companies like Ridgeview Wine Estate looking for interns or seasonal help during peak times. We can certainly leverage this to our advantage!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Vintage Laboratory Technician in Hassocks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Food Science Knowledge:In the food science and technology realm, it's important to highlight your understanding of food safety, product development, and quality control. Make sure to mention any relevant coursework, projects, or publications that showcase your expertise in these areas throughout your CV and cover letter.
Share Your Practical Experience:Whether you’ve interned in a lab or had hands-on experience in food processing, be sure to include this in your application. Seasonal roles often require quick adaptations, so work experience in a relevant industry setting will demonstrate your capability to hit the ground running. Highlight any specific tasks or achievements that align with the role at Ridgeview Wine Estate.
Keep It Short and Sweet:Since this is a seasonal position, employers are likely looking for your enthusiasm and ability to adapt rather than a lengthy history of experience. Keep your cover letter to one page and focus on what you're eager to learn during your time with Ridgeview Wine Estate. Show them why you want to be part of their team this season!
Tailor Your Application to Ridgeview Wine Estate:Do a bit of research on Ridgeview Wine Estate and mention why you're drawn to their approach to food science. This could be their innovative products, commitment to sustainability, or community involvement. A personal touch can help your application stand out and show that you genuinely care about making an impact in their seasonal team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ridgeview Wine Estate
✨Understand Food Safety Regulations
In food science and technology, knowing the ins and outs of food safety standards is crucial. Brush up on local regulations, especially those relevant to the seasonal role, and be prepared to talk about how you've upheld these standards in past experiences—this could really impress the team at Ridgeview Wine Estate!
✨Showcase Your Skills with Relevant Projects
This is your chance to discuss any hands-on projects or relevant coursework you've done related to food tech. Whether it’s a unique preservation technique or a developing product, make sure your portfolio highlights these skills. At Ridgeview Wine Estate, they’ll want to see your practical experience shine through.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Learning
Since this is a seasonal role, showcasing your flexibility and eagerness to learn is essential. Be ready to discuss how quickly you can adapt to new processes or technologies, and express your enthusiasm for gaining insights into the seasonal variations in food production or processing.
✨Prepare for Hands-On Practical Questions
Expect some practical questions or scenarios related to food science techniques—like how you would handle a specific quality control issue or optimise a food processing method. We should think through these scenarios beforehand so we can give clear, thoughtful responses that demonstrate our problem-solving skills.
