Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Rockway Vineyards (http://rockway.net)

  3290 Ninth St., St. Catharines, Ontario

Rockway Vineyards is a small Estate Winery focused on making high quality terroir driven wines. But more importantly, wines that must also showcase a winemaker’s vinicultural talent and oenophilic expertise. You can look forward to working closely with the Cellar Master, as well as our vineyard, retail, marketing, and management teams throughout the entire production process from vine to bottle. We are very excited to begin work with a new winemaker as we move into the next chapter of the Rockway Vineyards story.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with our Cellar Master to create a strong winemaking partnership.
• Manage day to day winery operation.
• Organize, direct and monitor vineyard labour (pruning, tying, spraying, etc.).
• Manage and execute harvesting/processing/fermentation in accordance with best practices.
• Manage the maintenance of equipment and procurement of supplies required to operate the winery in a safe and efficient manner.
• Monitor disease/pest pressures in the vineyard and deliver weekly reports.
• Ensure all VQAO, GGO, and other regulatory compliances are met.
• Record daily weights/racking/transfers/additions etc. accurately.
• Schedule all required lab work and utilize any in-house capabilities.
• Prepare/order/purchase all equipment and supplies for harvest.
• Manage all aspects of bottling (ordering glass, corks, caps, labels, etc.).
• Maintain and ensure a high level of overall cleanliness throughout the winery.
• Work closely with marketing, retail, and design teams.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Follow Covid-19 regulatory protocols.

Qualifications:

• An enthusiastic love and passion for all things wine.
• Proven qualification in winemaking (recognized academic certification).
• Have worked a minimum of 3 harvests and/or 2 consecutive years at a winery as Assistant Winemaker.
• Familiarity with Vinsight software an asset. Willing to learn new systems as required.
• Knowledgeable of oenological practices and lab work. 
• Must be a Canadian resident or already be residing in the country and legally permitted to work.
• Must carry a valid driving license.
• Must carry a valid forklift license.
• Grower Pesticide Safety Course certification an asset.

Qualities:

• Must support and nurture a positive team centric environment.
• Clear and proficient communicator with ability to work under pressure.
• Patient and respectful with all other members of the Rockway team.
• Open minded and willing to work towards a common vision of good winemaking.
• Strong public speaking skills and willingness to be in public eye, (Retail, Marketing, Social Media).
• Desire to perform tasks and responsibilities using best practices.

Salary is commensurate with experience.