Free Run

Term from Winemaking industry explained for recruiters

Free Run refers to the highest quality juice that naturally flows from grapes before any mechanical pressing takes place. It's like getting the "first press" or "natural juice" from grapes using just their own weight. Winemakers value this method because it typically produces the most delicate and premium wines. When you see this term on a resume, it indicates experience with high-quality wine production methods. Similar terms include "first press," "first juice," or "self-pressed juice." This process is different from pressed juice, which comes from mechanically squeezing the grapes.

Examples in Resumes

Managed Free Run juice collection process for premium white wine production

Increased quality control standards for Free Run and press juice separation

Supervised harvest operations with focus on Free Run collection techniques

Typical job title: "Winemakers"

Also try searching for:

Winemaker Cellar Master Vineyard Manager Wine Production Manager Enologist Cellar Hand Assistant Winemaker

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you determine the optimal time to separate free run juice from pressed juice during production?

Expected Answer: Should discuss quality assessment methods, timing considerations during harvest, and how different grape varieties require different approaches. Should mention monitoring juice clarity and potential quality impacts.

Q: How would you design a premium wine program maximizing free run juice usage?

Expected Answer: Should explain production planning, equipment needs, staff training requirements, and quality control measures. Should also discuss cost implications and market positioning of the resulting wines.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the key differences between free run and pressed juice in terms of wine quality?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain how free run juice typically produces more delicate wines with fewer harsh compounds, and how this affects final wine characteristics.

Q: How do you maintain quality control during free run collection?

Expected Answer: Should discuss cleanliness procedures, temperature control, oxidation prevention, and monitoring methods during the collection process.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is free run juice and how is it collected?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that it's the juice that flows naturally from grapes without pressing, and describe basic collection methods and equipment used.

Q: What basic equipment is used in free run juice collection?

Expected Answer: Should identify basic winery equipment like receiving bins, drainage systems, and collection tanks used in the process.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of free run collection
  • Equipment cleaning and sanitization
  • Juice handling procedures
  • Basic quality monitoring

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Quality control management
  • Production scheduling
  • Team coordination during harvest
  • Equipment maintenance supervision

Senior (5+ years)

  • Production program design
  • Quality improvement strategies
  • Staff training and development
  • Process optimization

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on experience with grape processing
  • Lack of understanding about basic wine chemistry
  • Poor knowledge of sanitation requirements
  • No experience with harvest operations

Related Terms