Associate Winemaker

Winemaking:

• Oversee daily winery operations with an emphasis on quality, authenticity, financial sustainability and culture.
• In conjunction with Operations Manager, liase with vineyards and growers; determine/finalize production plans and wine styles to meet sales/demand forecasts.
• Monitor/build barrel program.
• Scout and sample vineyards for optimal harvest dates and coordinate pickings.
• All aspects of the winemaking process in the cellar including grape receiving, tracking, racking and movements, traceability of all grapes processed.
• Equipment setup, operation, and sanitation of all winemaking equipment.
• Wine/must analysis, detailed record-keeping of fermentations, movements, monthly bulk and bottled inventory, harvest records including eGrape, VQA records and submissions, etc.
• General winery hygiene and maintenance on tanks, barrels, fermenters, other winery equipment, and the facility as a whole.

• Ensure premises meets health and safety standards, while maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
• Support cellar crew (intern/staff) and foster a collaborative, healthy work environment.
• Monitor elevage, continually tasting and testing progress and developing final blends.
• Bottling: note we bottle through the year, including in harvest (fun!) and as the wines are ready (Pét Nats). We bottle by hand.

Vineyard:
For the right candidate, this role could also include the position of Vineyard Manager, making this a year-round (salaried) position.
We farm about 6.5 acres and a holistic, no-till manner. Our sprays are primarily organic with some compost tea additions, and rarely conventional. 

• Train, mentor vineyard crews.
• Execute and oversee all vineyard operations including geotextiles, pruning, tying, shoot positioning, wire management, leaf removal, cluster thinning, hand hoeing, tractor operations, irrigation management, and harvest activities; set clear daily and weekly work plans and quality expectations.
• Be available for on-call responsibilities related to irrigation, frost events, disease risk periods, and emergencies.
• Ensure preventative maintenance and coordinate repairs to minimize downtime.
• Scout, monitor vineyard and plan sprays; assist in compost tea program.
• Maintaining a clean and safe workspace in buildings and vehicles and ensure compliance with OH&S, WCB, WHMIS, pesticide use regulations, and company policies; ensure chemicals, tools, etc. are properly stored.
• Performing varied tasks vineyard task from hand-labour through to overseeing the picking of grapes as well as tractor work.
• Manage supplies and ensure appropriate stewardship. 

• Detail oriented, takes initiative and comfortable delegating tasks.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a cellar, viticulture or winemaking experience.
• Strong verbal and written communication and multi-tasking skills; managing of changing priorities while maintaining a positive attitude.
• A College or University degree in Oenology, Winemaking, Viticulture or related field.
• Proficient in Google Office, Equally a whiz at spreadsheets as well as pen and paper.
• Ability to operate and troubleshoot cellar equipment (filters, presses, pumps, bottling line, forklift etc.).
• Appreciates Wine and an interest in current styles, trends in the global wine industry.
• Valid Forklift Operator Certificate and First Aid Certificate preferred .
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License; must have own car.
• Valid Smart Serve Certificate.
• Canadian citizen/Legally able to live and work in Canada.
• Must meet physical demands including; standing for long periods of time, working in hot and cold weather conditions; working at heights; working in small spaces and ability to lift 50lbs+.

Other:
• Assist in training/mentoring staff and build a collaborative environment, where everyone learns and is valued.
• Build and foster relationships with media, customers and industry associations.
• Ensure new learnings and best practices are continually shared and where it makes sense, implemented.
• Represent Trail at tasting/sales events and PR opportunities.
• Host guests, lead tastings and assist in retail duties when required .
• Working knowledge of French and Spanish is an asset but not required.
• Other tasks as reasonably required.

Compensation will be aligned with experience and qualifications and is expected to fall within a competitive range. Depending on structure this could be an hourly (contract) or salaried position.

• Other benefits depending on structure which may include insurance benefit contributions, paid time off, wine allotment, training opportunities and more.

Email CV and cover letter outlining your experience, and importantly, goals to alex@trailestate.com