Cellar Hand

Company: Creekside Estate Winery, A division of Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits

Job Title: Cellar Hand

Reports to: Winemaker

Employment Type: Contract Position

Creekside Estate Winery, a subsidiary of Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits, is an award-winning producer of small-batch premium VQA wines from various vineyards around the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, Canada. We make a broad range of interesting wines, from high-end traditional-method sparkling wines through a selection of both aromatic and barrel-fermented whites all the way to age-worthy reds.

About the role:

Creekside is looking for an experienced Cellar Hand to join us for harvest 2025 (early September start) right through to March 2026 on a fixed-term contract. We’re too small to compartmentalize at harvest. As a member of our winemaking team, you can expect to participate in all aspects of winemaking: fruit processing; inoculations and fermentation monitoring/management; barreling down; blend decisions; filtration and bottling.

The ideal candidate will be energetic, hardworking, and dependable. Equally important: a good attitude, and a passion and interest in winemaking.

Functions of the role:

• Harvest Processing; grape reception, destemming, crushing, pressing
• Assist with Fermentation Management, inoculations, nutrient additions, sampling, pump overs, punch downs.
• Conduct Cellar Work, barrel filling, racking, blending, additions, filtration.
• Perform Cellar Sanitation, tank and barrel cleaning, general cleaning of facility and winery equipment.
• Operate forklift and other winery equipment.

Requirements:

• Experience working in beverage production, with knowledge of wine/cellar operations (formal wine education considered an asset)
• Strong commitment to quality with high attention to detail
• Dependable, hands- on and willing to take initiative.
• Good problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Able to lift and carry at least 50lbs.
• Knowledge of safe cellar practices, including WHMIS
• Knowledge of cellar operating procedures.
• Available to work evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Access to reliable transportation as the property is located remotely from public transport.