Running a winery is both capital-intensive and time-sensitive. Every decision—from grape sourcing to bottling—carries financial implications. One of the largest expenses for many wineries is staffing, especially when it comes to hiring a full-time head winemaker. Salaries, benefits, and overhead can quickly add up to six figures annually.

At Waller Wine Consulting, we provide a smarter, more flexible solution: access to expert winemaking leadership without the fixed costs of a full-time hire.

Why a Consulting Winemaker Saves You Money

• No Full-Time Overhead
  Avoid the high cost of salaries, healthcare, and retirement benefits associated with permanent employees. With a consulting winemaker, you only pay for the time and expertise you need.

• Scalable Services
  Our services are designed to expand or contract with your production cycle. Need hands-on support during harvest? We’re there. Want lighter oversight during cellar aging? We scale back—ensuring you never overspend on unnecessary labor.

• Specialized Expertise, On Demand
  With over 23 years of hands-on winemaking experience across California, Oregon, and Washington, we bring immediate value to your winery. From crafting premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to overseeing Bordeaux blends, we eliminate costly trial-and-error.

• Streamlined Operations
  We help optimize your processes—from fermentation management to bottling logistics—reducing inefficiencies that cost time and money.

Real-World Savings for Wineries

Many wineries spend $120,000–$180,000 per year on a full-time winemaker once benefits and payroll taxes are factored in. By contrast, a consulting winemaker can deliver the same level of expertise for a fraction of the cost, allowing those savings to be reinvested in barrels, packaging, marketing, or vineyard improvements.

Whether you’re producing 2,000 or 50,000 cases, this flexible model ensures every dollar is working toward growth rather than overhead.

Beyond Cost Savings: Added Value

Partnering with Waller Wine Consulting doesn’t just save money—it expands your reach:

• Access to an established network of growers, barrel coopers, and custom crush facilities.

• Guidance on compliance, certifications, and sustainability programs (including organic and biodynamic).

• Training for your cellar team to improve consistency and reduce mistakes that lead to expensive rework.

Invest in Expertise, Not Overhead

Hiring a consulting winemaker is not just about saving money—it’s about aligning your winery with proven leadership that protects quality, improves efficiency, and drives long-term success.

At Waller Wine Consulting, our goal is to help you produce exceptional wines while keeping your operation lean and cost-effective.