Winemaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Vineland,
Ontario
Kacaba Vineyards Winery, Ultra-premium in Ontario, Canada seeks detail-oriented winemaker to carry on the legacy of crafting award winning wines.
This position supports all activities in the winemaking process, providing technical collaboration to ensure superior wine quality at all stages of wine production, including the vineyard supervision, research, and production.
This position oversees day-to-day winery operations with an emphasis on wine quality, financial planning, safety, sanitation, data management, and facility/equipment maintenance. Additional responsibilities include training and oversight of cellar employees and up-keep of various winemaking records, safety records/reporting, government reporting forms and spreadsheets.
Collaboration with the sales and marketing team in areas such as internal training, major customer outreach, structured tasting programs are also the natural part of the role.
Winemaker Key Responsibilities,
Vineyard, Grape Selection & Harvest:
- Working with the Vineyard management team farming practices, crop management, determining the optimal time for grape harvesting.
- Establishing and negotiating grape purchase contracts with previous contracted growers and establishing new and additional contacts and grape purchase sources.
- Monitoring contracted grape purchase crops as well as crop conditions in local and extended area.
- Oversees the picking and filed sorting of grapes to ensure highest quality fruit is used.
- Selecting and recommending sources suitable for production of premium and some value wines having regard for financial considerations.
- Working with and establishing best timelines and practices with our vineyard contractor and contracted growers. Input into optimal dates for tending and harvesting our and contracted crops.
Winemaking & Production:
- All work needed to process and finish wines using best practices for each varietal and crop.
- Managing the winemaking processes, including crushing, pressing, and fermentation.
- Coordinates the process of blending and aging wine to create desired flavors and styles with winemaking and blending consultants.
- Managing production (including the Cellar and third parties in bottling and warehousing) by planning, scheduling, and resource management in a timely manner.
- Keep detailed records of all winemaking activities beginning with crop growth through bottling and storage.
- Develop and manage budgets for vineyard expenses, grape purchases, processing through to bottling and storage and reports on same.
- Follows industry trends and innovations, evaluates feasibility of implementing innovations.
- Keeping management apprised as to progress on all matters and consulting them with respect to unsettled or unique matters to achieve a common solution.
- Recommending innovations, procedures, processes or other vineyard and winery related practices and the feasibility of each and maintaining currency in industry trends and innovations.
Quality Control and Winery Equipment:
- Implements quality control measures to ensure wine quality and consistency.
- Manages and update quality control procedures.
- Conducts sensory evaluations to assess aroma, taste, and appearance.
- Keeps detailed records of all winemaking activities, including grape varieties, processing methods, and aging conditions.
- Maintains winemaking equipment and facilities to ensure they are in good working condition.
- Oversees the cleaning and sanitization of equipment and storage tanks.
- Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and quality control to ensure wine quality.
Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensures compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations and standards related to winemaking and labeling.
- Ensures compliance with all relevant environmental and safety regulatory considerations. Budgeting and Planning:
- Develops and manages winemaking budget.
- Evaluates budget consistently throughout the year to ensure all operations are within budget. Adjusts spending accordingly.
Team Management:
- Co-operates with GM in securing non-sales and non-administrative regular and seasonal staff and manages their duties. Trains and mentor’s junior and student staff members.
- Develops and executes regular and seasonal workforce planning.
- Trains and mentors junior staff members.
Wine Tasting and Promotion:
- Participates in wine tastings and promotional events.
- Conduct sensory evaluations of crops and wines solely and with other staff or consultants.
- Executes special projects and other assignments related to production winemaking.
Qualifications
- A College or University degree in Oenology, Winemaking, Viticulture, or related field.
- At least 8 years of experience including lab, cellar and management experience, viticulture, or winemaking experience.
- Strong multitasking skills and managing of changing priorities skills while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Full drivers’ licence and clean driving record. Past or current forklift certification
- Able to operate farm machinery like a tractor beneficial but not essential.
- Detail oriented, takes initiative and comfortable delegating tasks.
- Must be a Canadian Citizen - or - have residency status
- Must meet physical demands including standing for long periods of time, navigating stairs; working at heights; working in small spaces and ability to lift 50lbs+.
How To Apply
All job applications will be handled with utmost privacy and confidentiality. Please send your resume to:
[email protected].
