Assistant Winemaker/Experienced Cellar Hand
Location
Saturna, British Columbia
Hourly Wage
$50000-60000 depending on experience
Job Type
Full Time
Job Overview
Sage Hayward Vineyards is seeking an Assistant winemaker or experienced Cellar Hand ready to take the next step in their winemaking career to join our team on Saturna Island. Reporting to both the Winemaker and the Vineyard Manager, this role is designed either for a skilled cellar hand ready to progress into a winemaking role or an Assistant Winemaker eager to expand the scope of their winemaking responsibilities.
The successful candidate will lead cellar operations during production seasons and transition into supportive leadership roles in the vineyard during the growing season. As we continue to develop our coastal wine style and portfolio, a background, familiarity or a strong interest in sparkling wine production is desirable. This position is intended for an individual looking to develop into a comprehensive winemaking role within an estate winery.
Requirements
Cellar & Winemaking:
• Execution: Lead daily cellar activities (racking, transfers, filtration, barrel work) and maintain rigorous sanitation protocols.
• Harvest: Coordinate fruit intake and processing, monitor and manage fermentations in collaboration with the Winemaker.
• Laboratory: Perform routine analysis (Brix, pH, TA, SO2), bench trials, and sensory evaluations.
• Compliance: Maintain digital and physical production records and ensure excise and VQA compliance.
Vineyard Support & Development (Outside of Cellar Seasons):
• Operations: Support the Vineyard Manager in seasonal tasks, including pruning, canopy management, and trellis maintenance.
• Monitoring: Assist in pest/disease scouting and irrigation management.
• Estate Projects: Participate in vineyard expansion, replanting, and infrastructure development.
• Sampling: Lead field maturity sampling and ripeness testing leading up to harvest.
Brand Representation & Market Engagement:
• Events: Represent Sage Hayward Vineyards in-market at industry festivals, trade events, and dedicated off-site tastings.
• Ambassadorship: Act as a technical brand ambassador, communicating our winemaking philosophy and unique Saturna Island terroir to consumers and trade partners.
Qualifications
• Experience: Minimum 2 yrs. of full-time experience in cellar operations
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Oenology (or related Science/Technology degree) or a college-level diploma in Winemaking preferred. We also welcome applicants currently pursuing these credentials or those who have equivalent demonstrable work experience
• Industry Interest: A demonstrable passion for the wine industry and a long-term commitment to professional development in an estate setting.
• Vineyard Experience: Prior vineyard experience is not required; all necessary training will be provided, though previous exposure to viticulture is considered an asset.
Compensation
• Housing Support: Assistance provided to help the successful candidate
• Vacation: Vacation pay with flexible vacation arrangements during the off-season
• Staff Discounts: Staff wine discount
• Professional Development: Direct mentorship with pathway to a winemaking role
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