Assistant Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Hester Creek Estate Winery (http://www.hestercreek.com)

  877 Road 8, Oliver, British Columbia

Hester Creek Estate Winery, located on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, BC is looking for an Assistant Winemaker to join our dynamic team on a full-time, permanent basis. . Hester Creek boasts a state of the art winemaking facility, utilising traditional and new winemaking technologies as well as a full estate experience including a world class wineshop and demonstration kitchen, award winning restaurant Terrafina and a six bedroom Villa accommodation.

Job Responsibilities Include:

·         Oversee, organize and perform cellar activity as directed by the winemaker. These activities include but are not limited to: material addition, filtrations, wine transfers, blending and barrel work. Communicates any observations to the winemaker.

·         Oversee and manage all laboratory activities and analysis as directed by the winemaker.

·         Development of ongoing wine making procedures and protocols, development and implementation of new products and practices and maintaining the standards of the existing wine styles.

·         Conduct yeast additions and fermentation tracking during harvest.

·         Prepare and complete work orders and update data entry system.

·         Assist with preparation of lab blends and lab tastings.

·         Perform and interpret lab analysis and adjustments as required.

·         Train and supervise part time harvest staff.

·         Assist with and perform monthly bulk wine inspections as required.

·         Prepare and manage material inventory reports.

·         Assist and maintain record keeping (MSDS, Health and Safety).

·         Assist with bottling and bagging set ups and assist with Q.C checks.

·         Order winemaking supplies as needed or directed by the winemaker.

·         Develop sensory evaluation skills including the ability to detect and discriminate subtle differences in wine such as acidity, alcohol, tannins and defects.

·         Oversee and maintain sanitary procedures.

·         Develop and maintain up to date SOPs.

·         Oversee and organize STARS and crossflow operations.

·         Understand and carefully follow all safety procedures and report any unsafe conditions.

·         Prepare and establish yearly fiscal resource budget.

·         Prepare forecast and procure materials for winemaking.

·         Prepare and maintain grape supply forecast in order to achieve desired volumes and quality expectations.

·         Monitor and manage cellar capacity for bulk wine and harvest operations.

·         Assist with and schedule all bottling and bagging operations.

 

This is a full time, permanent, salaried position which includes benefits after a 3-month probationary period. Post secondary education is preferred however equivalent industry experience will be considered. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate based on experience.

 

Please submit a detailed resume outlining your qualifications to Mark Hopley at [email protected].

Only potential candidates will be contacted.

 

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