Associate Winemaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
1366 York Road, St. Davids,
Ontario
Overview
This role will assist the Winemaker in many of the organizational tasks, record keeping, and compliance duties that are required for growing grapes and making ultra-premium VQA wines. When the Winemaker is absent they will be the liaison between the cellar staff and the Winemaker. Under the guidance of the Winemaker, this position will be responsible for creating and distributing cellar work orders to the crew and ensuring that work is completed to the standards set and defined by the Winemaker. As quality assurance is a very important aspect of our wines, this role will be responsible for all aspects of the lab. This includes performing analysis on samples, maintaining equipment, replenishing chemicals, standardization, and keeping an accurate lab log.
This role will be required to assist the Winemaker with the VQA submission process, coordinate shipping of goods and bulk wines, and ordering and/or packaging (labels, bottles, VQA submissions and closures). During busy periods (harvest bottling, barrel blending) the Associate Winemaker will be available to assist the cellar crew and will be a secondary contact when it comes to maintaining and operating the crush equipment.
Role and Responsibilities
- Generate work orders and distribute to staff; supervise the execution of work orders and support staff.
- Completed work orders, bottling reports, and harvest slips will be recorded and catalogued with direction from the Winemaker. It is important that these records are maintained, organized and meet all AGCO/LCBO and VQA standards.
- Completes VQA submissions; enters and produces submissions based on Winemaker’s data.
- Responsible for all aspects of the wine lab (standardization, maintenance, execution of tests), wine and laboratory samples are performed as requested by the Winemaker, record lab results in both tank track logs and lab logs.
- Performs daily checks of cellar area and reacts accordingly; checking cooling, leaks, temperatures, ingredient inventories, etc.
- Monitor fermentation, controlling temperature, and managing the aging process.
- Monitor the condition of all wines and ciders to prevent spoilage.
- Support the cellar crew to ensure tasks are clear, and always provide a helping hand in tasks as needed (e.g. conducting pump overs and punch downs, filtration, racking, inoculations and additions)
- Assists Winemaker in scouting/sampling at harvest.
- Will prepare samples and bench trials for the Winemaker as requested.
- Performs tests on samples as requested by the Winemaker.
- Performs monthly bulk barrel and tank inventory; send to Winemaker for review, re-count and adjust as needed before submitting final inventory to Accounting.
- Assists with organization and execution of bottling; orders supplies, arranges transportation and delivery of finished goods, leads line with Winemaker, consults with Retail Management and HR to source staff.
- Carries out all duties according to health and safety regulations while maintaining a clean and safe work environment.
- Follows all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set by the Winemaker; assists in creating SOPs.
- Other duties as assigned.
People & Culture
- Reviews and authorizes employee timesheets for payroll in Dayforce in absence of the Winemaker.
- Supports Winemaker in recruitment and selection of Cellar team.
- Assists Winemaker in onboarding, training, managing and off boarding of staff within the Cellar team.
- Provides leadership, mentorship and direction to the cellar team fostering a positive work environment and emulating the core values of Ravine alongside Winemaker.
- Provides positive motivators to team to ensure and standards are being met.
- Assists Winemaker with annual performance reviews for Cellar team, giving meaningful feedback on performance and potential.
- Shares accountability for overall engagement, productivity, turnover and bench strength of team.
- Ensures constant communication with staff and peers, attending regular meetings and training sessions to ensure alignment of priorities and goals.
- Execute other tasks and duties as required.
Educational & Experience Requirements
· Minimum of 2 years or more experience in an Assistant Winemaker or similar role.
· Formal Viticulture Education is required.
· Forklift Operator Certificate is considered an asset.
· Proficient in MS Office Suite
· Appreciates Wine
Preferred Skills
- Communication: This position requires basic listening, speaking, and writing skills.
- Leadership: Able to delegate, control a fast paced environment and possess strong decision making skills.
- Independent: Able to follow directions effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
- Attention to Detail: Achieve consistent and accurate results when completing tasks.
- Adaptability: Able to accept changing conditions and new information in a fast-paced environment.
- Physical: Operate winemaking equipment, work outdoors and indoors in hot and cold climates, occasionally lift or move objects weighing 50 - 80LBS. Able to occasionally work from heights (~14ft) and work in confined spaces
Working Conditions
· Available to work daytime, evenings, weekdays, weekends and holidays as required.
- Must be available to work long hours, including overtime as required during the busy seasons.
$60,000 to $70,000
