Cellar Master
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Kelowna,
British Columbia
About Us
Our Winery is in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, building on more than three decades of winemaking, and defining a new chapter with land-driven, organic, world-class wines. Our year-round tasting room, Wine Club Hospitality Center, and Home Block restaurant, housed in contemporary farmhouse buildings, offer our visitors an exceptional experience in a serene natural setting.
The Opportunity
CedarCreek sources organically farmed fruit from estate vineyards between Kelowna and Osoyoos, with production split approximately half between white and red. Our facility is a certified organic production facility with plans to prodcue 100% of our wines organically as of vintage 2021. We have the capability to sort to individual berries, and we ferment in concrete, stainless, and oak, with one of the largest barrel programs in the valley. We use techniques such as whole bunch press, skin contact, extended maceration, and spontaneous fermentation and malolactic fermentation to help build personality into our wines across the spectrum.
Our emphasis is on cool climate varieties – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Sauv Blanc. We have 25 acres planned for planting at CedarCreek in 2021 and 2022 with a focus on building a self-sustaining property from a farming, winemaking and culinary perspective. This exciting opportunity to be a part of a winery team goes well beyond winemaking to other parts of the business.
CedarCreek Estate Winery is now actively recruiting for a permanent full-time Cellar Master.
Role Overview:
We're looking for a Cellar Master that's ready to jump in and contribute as a member of a winemaking team dedicated to producing world-class wines and providing the finest and most intimate estate winery experience. The role participates in the execution of all winemaking activities at the CedarCreek Estate Winery related to the production of our VQA - British Columbia wine portfolio.
Core Responsibilities:
- Communicate with the Winemaker and Assistant Winemaker with regard to all aspects of production, focusing on the practical as well as abstract aspects of winemaking, and bring new ideas and viewpoints to focus
- Monitor the progress of the wine and apply the appropriate handling and processing techniques required to produce premium quality wine
- Take a key role in the blending of finished wines
- Coordinate bottling line operation as required; organizing bottling materials, equipment maintenance, labour requirements, finished goods shipping, production records and any other related details
- Assist in training and supervising seasonal crush crew in all duties pertinent to their positions
- The Cellar Master is expected to be competent in executing required laboratory analyses, including: grape juice analysis (Brix, pH, TA) and on-going production checks / pre-bottling analysis (alcohol, pH, TA, RS, VA, free and total SO2, CO2, malic acid, protein stability, and cold stability)
- Responsible to for the education, motivation and supervision of the seasonal crush team
Core Requirements:
- University degree in an Oenology/Winemaking or applicable Science Related Field
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a quality-focused Winemaking environment, with year-round cellar experience
- Minimum of 3 harvests experience, with at least one international harvest
- A passion for wine is essential, along with a basic knowledge of wine styles, regions, etc. and desire to further advance knowledge
- Must be eligible to work in Canada
- Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position
CedarCreek is dedicated to the growth of our team and provides excellent internal opportunities for those who are committed to learning and personal development. This permanent, year-round opportunity offers a competitive compensation package including 3 weeks’ vacation, extended health & dental benefits, potential for travel (post-Covid) and eligibility to participate in a DPSP and RRSP matching program.