AJ Greely
Schuyler,VA
Summary
Winemaker, Production Manager. Dedicated winemaker with hands on approach to all aspects of winemaking processes and procedures. Skilled in vineyard practices. Able to work with cross functional teams as well as independently. Performed under extreme situations of high stress while providing expected deliverables. Excellent multitasking at high levels, while meeting all revenue and quality targets.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
President, Board of Directors
Virginia Vineyards Association
02.2024 - Current
- Organize 2 annual meetings for membership to ensure educational opportunities for then continued growth of Virginia Vineyards.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, partners, or other third parties to secure favorable terms in support of organizational objectives.
- Write and maintain grants for the continued financial success of the organization to the benefit of its membership.
- Championed fundraising efforts, securing significant financial support for key programs and initiatives.
- Created a positive organizational culture by promoting transparency, inclusivity, and open communication among all stakeholders.
- Led the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, setting the direction for future growth and success.
Winemaker
Hark Vineyards
08.2018 - Current
- 2,500-5,000 case winery specializing in small lot production.
- Associate Winemaker assisted in the processing of 15-38 tons crush for the 2021-2022 harvests.
- Assumed lead role beginning of 2023 after winemaker and one of the two owners left.
- Successfully met objectives processing 69 tons of fruit in 2023.
- Oversees Vineyard Manager and vineyard tem
- Routine duties include but not limited to: operation and maintenance of crusher destemmer, bladder presses, performing punch downs or pumpovers as required, monitor brix levels through fermentation.
- Determining appropriate yeast strains and M/L bacteria for inoculation and nutrients and other cellar additions.
- Performing lab tests for ML Completion, PH, TA, and SO2 levels, interpreting lab results from outside laboratories and determine appropriate actions as required. Among other lab duties
- Responsible for the operation of filtration devices utilizing crossflow, cartridge membrane, and pad methods for final filtration prior to bottling.
- Delegate work instructions to workforce.
- Created spreadsheets to monitor processes within the inventory as well as inventories and charges of barrel maintenance.
- Management of production across the winery and vineyard into the tasting room.
- Conducting blending activities and wine tasting.
- Author all Wine Club release notes.
- Provide primary forklift activity within the winery.
Assistant Winemaker
Michael Shaps Virginia Wineworks
06.2017 - 08.2018
- Effective communication skills both written and orally.
- Responsible for daily tasks such as cellar maintenance, equipment maintenance, racking and blending wines.
- Reduced waste during production by closely monitoring equipment performance and implementing preventative maintenance measures.
- Optimized cellar organization through diligent space planning and precise allocation of resources to meet production needs.
- Safeguarded wine quality by managing barrel inventory, including cleaning, sanitizing, filling, stacking, topping off, and sampling finished products.
- Washed production lines and storage containers to maintain clean and efficient work areas.
- Took samples every to compare quality with specifications.
- Read temperature, flow, and other meters and documented information.
- Kept operations in compliance with company, safety and legal requirements.
Wine Club Manager
Blenheim Vineyards
04.2014 - 06.2017
- Boosted Wine Club membership sales.
- Maintained comprehensive records of customer preferences and data.
- Fostered an inclusive environment where team collaboration flourished, leading to improved staff morale and productivity levels within the Wine Club department.
- Organized successful wine tasting events, driving member engagement and fostering a sense of community within the Wine Club.
- Effectively resolved any customer concerns or disputes in a timely manner, maintaining high standards of professionalism.
- Managed daily financial transactions accurately.
- Contributed valuable input during quarterly planning sessions regarding future goals and strategies for the Wine Club.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized wine club experiences and attentive service.
- Responded to incoming guests, telephone calls, and email inquiries with efficiency and professionalism.
- Investigated guest challenges and sources of dissatisfaction to offer timely resolution.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Education
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware05-1994
Skills
- Strong verbal communication
- Team leadership
- Passion for wine
- Skilled in wet lab as well as higher lab functions
- Extremely organized
- Conflict resolution
- Self-motivated
- Project management
Certification
Forklift Certified. First Aid, CPR & AED Certified
Skills
Strong interpersonal skills; Highly organized; Forklift; Tractor; Mechanical and electrical maintenance; Problem Solving. Microsoft Excel; Powerpoint; Microsoft Word; Quickbooks; Quality research and safety; Employee development; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; self motivated
Timeline
President, Board of Directors
Virginia Vineyards Association
02.2024 - Current
Winemaker
Hark Vineyards
08.2018 - Current
Assistant Winemaker
Michael Shaps Virginia Wineworks
06.2017 - 08.2018
Wine Club Manager
Blenheim Vineyards
04.2014 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Arts - English Education
University of Delaware
Similar Profiles
Alison MitchellAlison Mitchell
Director of Events & Associate Membership at West Virginia Health Care AssociationDirector of Events & Associate Membership at West Virginia Health Care Association
Roland SorianoRoland Soriano
Volunteer at PNAVA (Philippine's Nurses Association of VirginiaVolunteer at PNAVA (Philippine's Nurses Association of Virginia
Sama ShaalanSama Shaalan
Teacher's Assistant at Islamic Association of West VirginiaTeacher's Assistant at Islamic Association of West Virginia