Josh Aznaran
Mattawa,WA
Summary
I thoroughly enjoyed working at both R&M Wineries and J&S Crushing LLC. Multiple friendships and work relationships were formed. During my career, I had the wonderful opportunity to be mentored by excellent winemakers such as Victor Palencia, Paulo Nascimiento, Flint Nelson, and Kendall Mix. These mentorships greatly helped strengthen winemaking skills. Thank you for the consideration.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Red Winemaker
R&M Wineries
04.2018 - 03.2024
- Enhanced wine quality by implementing innovative fermentation techniques and processes.
- Increased production efficiency through optimization of blending procedures and equipment usage.
- Reduced spoilage rates by consistently monitoring storage conditions and making necessary adjustments.
- Managed vineyard operations, ensuring optimal grape yield and quality for winemaking purposes.
- Closely monitoring 25,000+ barrels for oxidation or off-aromas.
- Closely working with Lab Manager in order to improve lab protocols and lab results.
- Visiting vineyards before issuing pick calls. This allowed the winemaking team to be confident that the flavor profile met the specific program it was intended for.
- Constant communication with clients to update them about their wine lots that were under my care.
- Entering all work orders into Vintner's Advantage winetracking system.
- Issuing BOL's (Bills of Lading) for outgoing shipments. I also assisted with export paperwork for various clients.
Lab Manager
J&S Crushing LLC
10.2009 - 03.2018
- Improved lab efficiency by implementing automated processes and equipment upgrades.
- Enhanced laboratory safety protocols, resulting in reduced workplace accidents and injuries.
- Closely monitored lab budget in order to ensure that all supplies were in stock, while also working with vendors to help minimize the cost.
- Trained and supervised two lab technicians, while also fostering an environment of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Closely worked with Head Winemaker to individually analyze each wine sample for sluggish fermentation or off-aromas.
- Proficient in wet chemistry analysis. Auto analyzers were unavailable during my first few years, which I feel was a blessing as it gave me better understanding of individual wine analysis.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Winemaking
Yakima Valley College
Yakima03.2018
Associate of Science - General Studies
Yakima Valley College
Yakima, WA03.2018
Skills
- Pest Management
- Blending techniques
- Winemaking Equipment Operation
- Excellent palate
- Experience with multiple yeasts, from less know yeasts such as Levulia Torula to more widely known yeast like Vin 13
- Thorough understanding of wine analysis
- Strong lab and winemaking troubleshooting skills
- Grape Crushing- crushed maturity samples by hand and with a grape crushing machine
- Barrel aging- 25,000 barrels which all had to be maintained through sulfur additions and topping
- Wine Storage- working closely with the Cellar Master in order to minimize headspace, when possible, and also keeping free sulfur levels at client specificed levels
- Clarification Processes- fining additions, fining trials, issuing fining work orders
- Bottling Procedures- pre filtration, final filtration, bottling trials, ie sugar and/or copper additions
- Effective Communication- I would meet with the cellar master and barrel master on a daily basis This would help all teams involved to work more efficiently, bust most importantly, helped everyone feel involved and needed
- Analytical Thinking- The ability to quickly analyze situations and find solutions
- Production experience- R&M Wineries produced close to 20,000 tons a year My previous employer, J&S Crushing LLC, produces close to 22,000 tons a year
- Attention to Detail- I thoroughly enjoyed smelling and tasting through various lots in order to learn the wines attributes This enabled me to be more confident when blending different lots
- Reliability- Very reliable person, with a strong commitment to be available for employers whenever needed
- Decision-Making- During harvest, I would taste through red fermenter's and make drain and press calls Tasting tanks multiple times throughout the day allowed me to be able to confidently issue drain and press work orders
- Multitasking- I do not shy away or get stressed when multiple things are going on at once
- Relationship Building- I strongly feel that building strong relationship with coworkers is essential This takes time and dedication, but is 100% worth it
Accomplishments
I won't name the specific labels as I feel this is confidential information, but multiple wines that I made scored 90+ points. Please note though that I was not alone in this endeavor as it takes a dedicated team to make a great wine.
Timeline
Red Winemaker
R&M Wineries
04.2018 - 03.2024
Lab Manager
J&S Crushing LLC
10.2009 - 03.2018
Associate of Applied Science - Winemaking
Yakima Valley College
Associate of Science - General Studies
Yakima Valley College