Assistant Winemaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Oliver,
British Columbia
Burrowing Owl Vineyards (1993) and Estate Winery (1997) were developed by the Wyse family with a vision to produce ultra-premium BC-VQA wines that represent the best characteristics of the region. The three Burrowing Owl vineyards totalling 190 acres, are located in the South Okanagan and Similkameen valleys of B.C. on land considered some of the best for viticulture in Canada. The production facility is located 10km south of the town of Oliver and located among some of the Estate's oldest and most prized vineyard blocks. The Okanagan vineyards are planted in Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties as well as Pinot Gris, Syrah and a small amount of Viognier. The Similkameen vineyards are exclusively Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
The overriding philosophy of the winery is and has always been to use proven traditional winemaking methods to best express the terroir, in harmony with state-of-the art facilities and equipment, careful scientific evaluation and a dedicated winemaking team. Sustainable practices and environmental initiatives are valued highly at Burrowing Owl and the owners participate actively to advance these causes.
Position Overview
The Assistant Winemaker at Burrowing Owl works closely with senior advisors and the cellar "team", liaises with farm workers and communicates regularly with management. You will be involved in all cellar operations including lab work, administration and scheduling, sensory analysis and equipment and systems operations. The successful candidate will be provided with and should aspire to ever-increasing challenges and levels of responsibility.
Management Skills
The Assistant Winemaker is a manager: level headed, a quick study, able take direction and constructive feedback and to offer the same, leading by positive example. English does not have to be your first language, but you will be a thoughtful communicator, able to listen and to converse clearly. You will enjoy the physical aspects of winemaking, as well as the analytical and scientific side. You will have the background to participate in consultative dialogue and to provide valuable feedback.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
- Monitor the progress of the wine and apply the appropriate handling and processing techniques required to produce premium quality wine;
- Ensuring work orders are executed as expected;
- Monitor completion of required cellar tasks and activities;
- Coordinate bottling line operation as required: organize bottling materials, equipment maintenance, labour requirements, shipping of finished goods, production records and other related details;
- Maintain communication with vineyard staff regarding vineyard operations and harvest logistics;
- Assist with vineyard sampling and crop monitoring;
- Receive, weigh and keep accurate records of all incoming grapes;
- 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;
- Lead, mentor, coach, educate, and motivate the Cellar Team to maximize their potential through regular coaching, feedback and structured training;
- Champion the company Health and Safety policy promoting a safe and healthy work environment for employees, through eliminating hazards, training employees and promoting safety awareness;
- Follow, maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).
- Assist in organizing and supervising seasonal crush crew in all duties pertinent to their positions;
- Coordinate and execute all crushing and pressing operations;
- Oversee and/or perform racking of wine, inoculations, and cap management of red fermenters;
- Monitor temperatures, brix levels, and sensory evaluations on all fermenting tanks;
- Be constantly vigilant ensuring that winery systems are operational and in exemplary condition;
- Supervise lab procedures SOP's to ensure accurate and timely analysis;
- Maintain chemistry equipment and supplies;
- Using the in-house state of the art laboratory, execute all necessary chemistry analyses;
- Collaborate and communicate with all areas of management including Proprietors, President/Technical Advisor, Senior Management, Sales, Marketing, Administration and Production;
- Maintain the highest levels of cleanliness and sanitation.
Required Qualifications
- University degree in Oenology/Winemaking or applicable science-related field;
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a quality-focused winemaking environment, with year-round cellar experience;
- At least one international harvest at a reputable operation;
- A mechanical aptitude and proven ability to work safely with production equipment;
- Strong computer literacy;
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects at one time at one time