Assistant Winemaker (Niagara Falls Cellars) (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

At Arterra Wines Canada, we love inspiring the big and small moments that happen when our products are shared and enjoyed.  For us it’s not just about what’s in and on the bottle, it’s what happens in people’s lives when we’re a part of them that keeps us thirsting for more and not resting on our laurels as Canada’s largest and most enjoyed wine company.  We put the consumer at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for people who do the same.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the winemaker in managing production of wines and ensuring wine quality expectations are met

• Support the winemaker to ensure all regulatory compliance requirements are met for each category of product

• Support the winemaker to ensure all packaged products are provided to the bottling tanks in such a condition to reduce risk of FG AD as much as possible.

• Conduct tank updates and quality checks in the wine system and clearly communicate risks to the winemaker

• Create trial blends as directed and prepare samples as requested for winemaking and marketing.

• Support the winemaker on the VQA submission process.

• Work with the other departments to provide products to the bottling schedule as needed as per the planner’s bottling schedule.

• Support the position of Commercial Winemaker.

• Fill in for the Commercial Winemaker in all aspects as needed.

• COGS savings initiatives related to winemaking and associated processes, whilst maintaining or improving on product quality.

• NPD process to ensure successful launch of new products.

• Supply /demand forecasting process (S&OP). Especially related to accurate blend ID's in the wine system.

• Sales / marketing in market as appropriate and as approved.

• Adhere to all OH&S, GMP, HACCP and ISO initiatives for the site.

• Support the bottling at certain facilities

Education

• Degree in Food Sciences, Oenology, or Viticulture

Experience

• 1-2 Years of experience working in a winery cellar

• 1-2 Years of management experience

Qualifications, Certifications or Designations

• MUST show the propensity to quickly learn greater business concepts (analytics, business systems, blend development,)

• Good organization skills.

• Hands on and technical understanding of the winemaking process.

• Analysis and synthesis of data.

• Strong skill level with Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook. 

• Relationship building and positive, “Can-Do” attitude.

Working Conditions

• Generally inside and dry with potentially cool cellar temperatures.

• Can occasionally involve outside cold and wet / snowy conditions.

• Shift work and weekends are needed based on work load.

• Standing regularly 30% of time

• Tasting, smelling, observing wine to ensure quality 30% of time

What we offer: 

• Competitive salary and bonus

• Benefits and Pension Plan

• Product Allowances & Safe Ride Home Program 

• An organization that cares about Corporate Social Responsibility  

• Tuition reimbursement 

• Training & Development Programs 

• An opportunity to learn about the world of wine