VP Winemaking
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Harrow,
Ontario
Established in 1980, Colio Estate Wines Inc. is now the 4th largest wine producer in Ontario and continues to be one of the leaders in its industry. Producers of exceptional brands in their respective categories: Bricklayer’s, Girls’ Night Out, Lake & River Series and Colio Premium House, Colio has and continues to be awarded prestigious industry accolades and wine awards.
Colio Estate Wines Inc. is known for its ability to continuously select grapes of the highest quality and subsequently produce expressive and refreshing white wines as well as big, varietally sound red wines. The winemaking team works diligently throughout the year to deliver an outstanding selection of Ontario wines of exceptional quality and value.
By joining the Colio team, you will not only become part of a friendly team of wine enthusiasts, you will also find that the camaraderie is second to none ensuring that we do not lose sight of the importance of all the parts that make up the whole. Just like our wine, we are a refreshing place to be yet are bold and mighty in how we do business.
The Master Winemaker (MW) is an executive level position and will have significant input in the direction and operation of the company. The MW, under the direction of the President, is primarily responsible for overseeing the winemaking process, from grape harvesting, grape/juice procurement, crushing, through cellaring, blending, aging, tasting, filtering, sanitation, transfers, blending, bottling and distribution. The MW will ensure that the company’s current selection of wines will continue to meet exacting standards, and will be instrumental in developing new high quality Red, White, Rosé, Late Harvest, Icewine, Champagne-style, flavoured, and blended wines to meet sales forecasts and trends. You will have supervisory responsibilities over the Assistant Winemaker, Cellars personnel and Laboratory/Quality Control Technicians. You will have demonstrated strengths in external relations with VQA, LCBO, AGCO and other Regulatory Agencies, Grape Growers and suppliers of Bulk Wines and Laboratory supplies.
Job Duties
- Maintains control of and supervises the winemaking process from grape harvesting and grape/juice procurement through cellaring, blending, aging, tasting, filtering, sanitation, transfers, blending, bottling and distribution.
- Develop strong and long term relationships with growers. Determine the correct time to harvest grapes. Examine grape samples to judge sweetness and acidity, to verify sound condition and lack of pesticide residue, and to authenticate grape varieties.
- Supervise the work of the Assistant Winemaker, Cellars personnel and laboratory/Quality Control technicians.
- Oversee the harvesting and transportation processes to ensure that grapes arrive at the crusher on time and in good condition.
- Supervise the crushing process and the addition of yeast, sulfites, and sugar to the must
- Monitor the fermentation process using manual and digital apparatus and make adjustments as necessary.
- Coordinate the process of transferring the wine to tanks and barrels for aging.
- Make decisions regarding the wine’s taste and chemical composition and ensure strict standards for quality and taste are met and maintained
- Prepare bottling plans for each wine.
- Foster a climate of continuous improvement through the development and implementation of systems and processes
- Consult with management on product improvement and new product development.
- Develop new Red, White, Rosé, Late Harvest, Icewine, champagne style, flavoured, and blended wines to meet Sales forecasts and trends.
- Ensure compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements, including occupational health and safety guidelines, quality standards, record keeping requirements and management systems.
- Provide oversight of pump, barrel, and temperature control equipment maintenance
- Ensure strict standards for quality and taste are met and maintained
- Perform public relations duties such as representing Colio Estate Wines Inc. at conferences, trade shows, festivals, competitions, and other events
- Maintain current knowledge in winemaking, processing techniques, and viticulture technologies through visitation, industry seminars, and wine shows
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Degree/Diploma in Oenology and Viticulture.
- Extensive experience producing a variety of wines including Red, White, Rosé, Late Harvest, Icewine, champagne style, flavoured, and blended wines is essential.
- Thorough knowledge of grapes, growing regions, and local production and marketing regulations.
- Thorough knowledge of VQA regulations and submissions
- Specific knowledge and experience with cool climate viticulture
- Experience in cellar operations/management.
- 5-10 years of experience in a winery from crush to bottling.
- 3-5 years of work experience in a senior management role at a winery.
- Well-developed sense of taste and smell
- Occupational health and safety, WHMIS, and first aid certification required
- Strong ability to lead through change by adjusting strategies accordingly
- Strong written and verbal skills to communicate with all levels of the organization and its executive team
- Strong problem identification and problem resolution skills
- SMART Serve
- A valid in good standing Ontario Driving License
Work Conditions
• Physical mobility required to stand, bend, kneel, climb and walk
• Work may be performed in hot, cool, dry, or damp conditions based on the season and stage of wine production involved
• Ability to attend and conduct presentations
• Overtime and Travel as required
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
Colio Estate Wines Inc. offers competitive salary package and positive working environment.
How To Apply
Only successful applicants will be contacted.
Deadline for application is July 31st, 2015
