Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Lailey Winery (http://www.laileywinery.com)

  Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

About Lailey Winery

Established in the 1970’s and recently expanded its operation merging with the premium Stonebridge Vineyard, Lailey Winery blends agricultural and modern wine making processes in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada.  Lailey focuses on developing mana managing premium vineyards to produce terroir-driven ultra-premium Ontario wines of exceptional quality.

We are hiring a Winemaker. This position supports all activities in the winemaking process to ensure superior wine quality at all stages of wine production, including the vineyard supervision, wine production, harvest and cellar planning.

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 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.

Key Responsibilities

 

Vineyards, Grape Selection & Harvest:

• Working with the Vineyard management team farming practices, crop management, determining the optimal time for grape harvesting.
• Oversees the picking and filed sorting of grapes to ensure highest quality fruit is used. 

Winemaking & Production:

• 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.
• Follows industry trends and innovations, evaluates feasibility of implementing 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.

Budgeting, Planning and 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.
• Develops and manages winemaking budget.
• Evaluates budget consistently throughout the year to ensure all operations are within budget. Adjusts spending accordingly.
• Develops and executes regular and seasonal workforce planning.

Wine Tasting and Promotion:

• Participates in wine tastings and promotional events.
• Delivers sensory training workshops to sales team members regularly
• 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.
• Team management and coordination skills
• Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills. 
• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Drivers’ licence.  Past or current forklift certification
• Detail oriented, takes initiative and comfortable delegating tasks.
• Must be a Canadian Citizen, or residency status allowing to work in Canada
• Must meet physical demands including; standing for long periods of time, 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].

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