Assistant Winemaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Harrow,
Ontario
Established in 1980, Colio Estate Wines Inc. continues to be one of the leaders in its industry. From humble beginnings, we have grown over the last 40 years and are now producing in excess 600,000 cases of quality wine annually. Some of our award-winning brands include Girls’ Night Out, Bricklayer’s, Backroads and Colio Premium House brands.
Our Brewery produces award winning craft Pilsners (Pick-Up 26), Amber lager (Ladder run) and Ales (Clark Session IPA). Our Pick-Up Pilsner and Ladder Run Amber Lager have both won Best in Country at the World Beer Awards. The Brewery will be housed in a new purpose built extension.at our Thornbury location.
Our Cider House produces the multi award-winning top selling Craft Cider at the LCBO. We produce several ciders, such as Thornbury Premium Apple Cider, Cranberry Apple Cider, Honey Crisp Apple Cider, Spiced Apple Cider and Wild Blueberry Elderflower Apple Cider. We offer other ciders at our on-site retail store and Tap room. We pride ourselves on using only top-quality ingredients and 100% fresh-pressed Ontario apples.
In addition, we represent a range of international brands such as Warsteiner Brewery from Germany, Portobello Road Gin, Cumulus Estate Wines from Australia, Frisky Zebra from South Africa and a number of other international wine suppliers.
As part of our expansion and succession planning strategy, Colio Estate Wines Inc. requires a full-time Assistant Winemaker at our winery in Harrow. The position is an integral part of the winery process and will report directly to the Winemaker. The incumbent will be involved in all facets of winemaking and cellar operations and they should be familiar with production equipment in a winery setting.
As Assistant Winemaker you will work in partnership with our Winemaker and will ensure wine quality is maintained at all stages of the winemaking process.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
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Day to day cellar and winery management; support winemaker with writing, distribution and completion of work orders and updating cellar management system (Vintrace).
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Oversee and perform all cellar work in a hands-on manner for all aspects from racking to filtration.
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Ensure a clean, organized, well-maintained and safe cellar and winery.
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Perform and/or schedule all required lab work, review and recommend follow up action.
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Responsible for calculating and performing SO₂ adjustments to winemakers’ targets.
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Management of winery supplies and dry goods.
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Harvest Coordination & Leadership (People & Wine)
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Grape receiving, crushing, pressing and wine production operations.
- Leadership, supervision and coaching of seasonal harvest crew.
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Ensures daily production plans and quality parameters are met.
Assist in educational tastings and tours of the facility when needed and available.
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Contribute to the continuous improvement of the winemaking process and procedures.
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Participates in issue resolution surrounding logistical, quality and labour limitations.
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Conducts fining and blending trials and oversees winemaking/wine processing trials and experiments as directed and reports results to Winemaker.
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Executes special projects and other assignments related to production winemaking.
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Maintains satisfactory attendance, to include timeliness.
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Trains and mentors lab technicians and interns.
Job Requirements:
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Position related education, with at least 5 years of experience including lab, cellar and management experience, viticulture or winemaking experience.
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Passion for wine and commitment to excellence and high standards.
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Ability to make educated, timely and sound winemaking decisions. Detail oriented, takes initiative and comfortable delegating tasks.
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Very strong organizing, planning, supervising, and problem-solving skills. Able to multitask and manage changing priorities while maintaining a positive attitude.
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Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills. Strong computer background with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
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Valid Forklift Operator Certificate an asset.
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Level I or II First Aid Certificate an asset.
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Strong commitment to quality with attention to detail.
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Candidate must be hands on, dependable, and self-starting.
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Knowledge and proven ability to follow safe cellar practices and operating procedures.
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Ability to be trained in confined space entry process and procedures.
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Teamwork and customer service skills.
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Must be able to work indoors, outdoors, and in various temperature extremes.
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Must be able to work long hours, and possibly weekends and holidays, especially during harvest season.
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Ability to understand and perform mathematic calculations.
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Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
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Maintain an organized workplace.
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Ability to lift 55 lbs.
What we offer:
• Competitive wage & comprehensive benefit package.
• Product Allowances & Safe Ride Home Program.
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Relocation assistance.
• A safe, fun, winning and rewarding work environment.
• An opportunity to grow and develop yourself within the company’s organization.
Candidates interested in this exciting opportunity to join a strong, growing company with great values and brands should submit their resume and salary expectations.
We thank all that apply, but only applicants that are being considered will be contacted.
The deadline for applications is March 26, 2021.
