Vineyard Manager and Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Harper's Trail Estate Winery (http://www.harperstrail.com)

  2761 Shuswap Rd, Kamloops, BC V2H 1S9, British Columbia

 

 

Position Title: Vineyard Manager and Winemaker

 

   The 25.5-acre property of Harper Trail Winery, located on the bank of the South Thompson River in the Kamloops region, produces sparkling, white, rose, red ultra-premium wines. 

   The Estate is currently planted with Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. 

   The Estate is seeking a vineyard Manager and Winemaker to oversee the production of its wines. The successful candidate will be in charge of managing a 25.5-acre vineyard and producing 4,000 cases of wine annually.

   The successful candidate will work with guidance from vineyard and winemaking consultant Pascal Madevon. 

Summary of responsibilities

 Winery:

·          Co-ordinate and manage production and quality control, from grapes to wine to the final finished bottled product.

·          Operate the cellar on a day-to-day basis.

·         Oversee the vinification process.

·        Operate winery equipment (pumps, de-stemmer, press, etc.).

·        Maintain winery hygiene, including the sanitization of tanks and equipment.

·        Carry out barrel operations (filling, topping, racking).

·        Prepare wine lots for bottling; responsible for bottling operation.

·        Manage inventory count.  

·        Train and control the work of the possible cellar hand during the vinification.

·        Realize basic analysis (Acidity, Ph, VA, So2, etc.).

·        Participate in regular sensory tastings.

·        Operate a forklift.

·        The title of winemaker will only be attributed upon proof of diploma or certification. Otherwise, the successful candidate will temporarily be referred to as assistant winemaker.

 

Vineyard:

·          Manage the current vineyard of 25.5-acres. 

·          Conduct some of the vineyard operations such as pruning, tying, tractor work. 

·          Lead and manage all vineyard operations including pruning, tying, pest management sprays, grape growth (suckering, canopy management, etc.), and harvesting.

·          Manage and execute the daily irrigation schedule; as well as carry out regular maintenance of the irrigation system.

·          Conduct crop estimation.

·          Realize maturity controls before harvest.

·          Organize picking operations (onsite and outside vineyards).

·          Supervise and control the purchase of grape outside of the property.  

·           Drive a tractor for pest control, soil and canopy management.

 

Public Relations and Marketing

·        Welcome and interact with customers, journalists, social media influencers.

·       Make suggestions in the development of the wine portfolio and packaging.

 

Skills

·        Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English).

·        Good interpersonal skills for communication with Harper Trail owners, consultant, co-workers, visitors, and customers.

·        Must be enthusiastic, hard-working, detail-oriented, and bring energy and problem-solving ability to the performance of the job.

·        A scientific approach to growing quality fruit in a cold climate region.

·        Able to work extended hours when necessary.

·        Able to withstand extended periods of physical work in extreme outdoor conditions, i.e. walking, standing, lifting materials/equipment at high temperatures.

·        Good mechanical aptitude is required with experience in operating vineyard equipment.

·        Post-secondary education with an emphasis on viticulture, eonology, and/or biochemistry would be an asset.

·        Experience in cold climate grape growing conditions would be an asset.

·        Valid driver’s licence.

·        Legally able to work in Canada.

 

 Remuneration

·        Remuneration based on experience.

 

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