Assistant Winemaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
CedarCreek Estate Winery,
British Columbia
Purchased in 1986, CedarCreek Estate Winery was one of the first 8 pioneering wineries in British Columbia. For over 25 years we have pursued perfection and produced some of the valley's best wines resulting in CedarCreek being twice recognized as "Canada's Winery of the Year".
CedarCreek Estate Winery is situated on its home vineyard in Kelowna, originally established in the early 1990’s. The home vineyard is planted half to Pinot Noir, with the balance being Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. CedarCreek also manages vineyards in the Osoyoos and Oliver area, with 50 acres of Bordeaux red varieties, Syrah and Viognier planted across two sites, and access to a number of other premium company vineyards in the area.
The winemaking approach at CedarCreek is thoughtful, with much attention to detail. Focus is on expressing the unique character of our individual vineyard blocks. For our high tier wines, and we use Concrete, Oak, and Stainless Steel to build interest and texture into the wines. Natural ferments in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Aromatic Whites are common. Top tier reds are allowed to age in barrel for up to two years, and a further year in bottle before release. Producing BC wines at the highest quality levels is our goal.
Position Overview
To contribute as a member of a winemaking team dedicated to producing world-class wines and providing the finest and most intimate estate winery experience. Participates in the execution of all winemaking activities at the CedarCreek Estate Winery related to the production of our VQA - British Columbia wine portfolio.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
- Communicate with the Winemaker with regard to all aspects of production, focusing on the practical as well as abstract aspects of winemaking
- Monitor the progress of the wine and apply the appropriate handling and processing techniques required to produce premium quality wine
- Assist the Winemaker in the blending of finished wines
- Coordinate bottling line operation as required; organizing bottling materials, equipment maintenance, labour requirements, finished goods shipping, production records and any other related details
- Ensure organization and sanitation of the cellars at the highest level
- Identify, assign and monitor completion of required cellar activities
- Co-ordinate and execute the shipping and receiving of goods from and to CedarCreek warehouse, and oversee inventory management
- Maintain communication with vineyard staff regarding vineyard operations affecting quality, growing parameters and harvest logistics
- Extend knowledge of vineyard operations and quality wine grape production to the vineyard managers and subsequently utilize the knowledge and expertise of the vineyard managers
- Responsible for providing wine information, tour assistance and production data to ensure that the Administration Office and Wineshop function as effectively as possible
- Represent CedarCreek to the public and to industry representatives in a manner consistent with the desired public image of the Company
- Ensure compliance of site operations with company policy and Federal and Provincial regulations (VQA Standards, WCB regulations etc).
- Ensure VQA submissions are made in a timely fashion
- Oversee and implement the company Health and Safety policy, and champion a safe and healthy work environment for employees, through eliminating hazards, training employees and promoting safety awareness
- Responsible for carrying out the Winemaker's duties in his/her absence
- Assist the Winemaker with vineyard sampling and grower communication
- Hire, train and supervise seasonal crush crew in all duties pertinent to their positions
- In consultation with the winemaker, contribute to overall style and quality of CedarCreek wines through constant input and evaluation
- Receive, weigh and keep accurate records of all incoming grapes
- Coordinate and execute all crushing and pressing operations
- Oversee and/or perform rackings, inoculations, and cap management of red fermenters
- Maintain the highest levels of cleanliness and sanitation
- Monitor temperatures, brix levels, and carry out sensory evaluations on all fermenting tanks
- Ensure that winery systems are operational
- The Assistant Winemaker is expected to be competent in executing required laboratory analyses, including: grape juice analysis (Brix, pH, TA) and on-going production checks / pre-bottling analysis (alcohol, pH, TA, RS, VA, free and total SO2, CO2, malic acid, protein stability, and cold stability)
- The Assistant Winemaker is responsible for supervision of the lab to ensure accurate and timely analysis
- In consultation with the winemaker, interpretation of lab analysis and implementing required action
- Responsible for the supervision of the permanent and casual production staff, including Cellar Master, Cellar Hand and harvest staff
- Works in conjunction with the Winemaker in hiring, training and other personnel issues
- Lead, mentor, coach, educate, and motivate the Cellar Team to maximize their potential through regular coaching, feedback and structured training
- Coordinate educational training sessions on all wines and new releases to the Hospitality, Retail and Administration teams
- Ability to collaborate with cross functional leaders; Proprietor, President, Senior Management, Sales, Marketing, Administration and Production
Minimum Requirements (Experience, Education, Qualifications, Skills, Abilities)
- University degree in a Oenology/Winemaking or applicable Science Related Field
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a quality-focused Winemaking environment, with year-round cellar experience
- Minimum of 4 harvests experience, with at least one international harvest
- A passion for wine is essential, along with a basic knowledge of wine styles, regions, etc. and desire to further advance knowledge
- Proficient in operation of all production equipment
- Mechanical and practical aptitude as is required in the cellars
- Strong computer literacy, experienced with MS Office and the ability to learn and use company wine inventory system (VAHL)
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at one time
- Demonstrated ability to work across functions
- Effective leadership and influencing skills; ability to deal effectively with others in a diverse environment
- Excellent oral and written communication skills