Assistant Winemaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Niagara-on-the-Lake,
Ontario
ASSISTANT WINEMAKER
Job Description:
We have been making wine in the area for over twenty years. We source only the best fruit from the Niagara Region, working closely with growers that share our attention to detail and pursuit of the highest quality.
We are currently recruiting for the position of Assistant Winemaker. This is a full-time year-round position that would commence immediately. This position works closely with and reports directly to Andrzej Lipinski, Owner & Winemaker at Big Head Wines.
The Assistant Winemaker is integral in driving winemaking activities and objectives at Big Head. The Assistant Winemaker participates in all day-to-day operations of the cellar, including harvest, bulk wine, bottling, barrel preparation, sanitation, and organization. The Assistant Winemaker facilitates in grape receiving, crushing, processing, and wine production.
This is a meticulous and hands-on position. The Assistant Winemaker is involved in countless tasks throughout the course of the winemaking year, with ebbs and flows attributed to seasonal change, and the overall growth trajectory of the organization. The Assistant Winemaker must have an open availability, and an understanding that hours can be long and at times irregular.
Growth Opportunity:
The Assistant Winemaker has the unique opportunity to learn directly from Andrzej Lipinski who has been crafting wine in Niagara for 20+years. His passion, attention to detail, and strive for perfection are reflected in every glass, and as such, this standard is applied throughout the organization. This position is an asset to Andrzej and the team at Big Head Wines, thus the right candidate would have ample opportunity to learn and grow under his leadership.
Skills and Responsibilities:
The job duties described below are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by individuals assigned to the role of Assistant Winemaker. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
· Assisting in and supervising daily winery operations
· Providing winemaking technical support to the Winemaker and production team
· Preforming lab analysis and lab administration (order supplies, reagents etc.)
· Calculation and trial all blending/bench trials
· Additions
· Supervise grape receiving, crushing, pressing and wine production operations during harvest
· Overseeing tanks of wine & monitoring barrel aging
· Cleaning tanks, barrels, equipment, facility
· Adhering to and upholding all standards set forth by Andrzej and Big Head Wines
Qualifications:
A certificate or degree in Oenology/Winemaking from an accredited academic institution
Minimum 3 years working experience in other winery environments with references to support
Lift and carry up to 80 pounds; work on and around ladders, catwalks, uneven flooring, in hot, cold and wet environments; with typical winery chemical exposure and conditions
Experience with both the practical and technical aspects of the winemaking process and understand winemaking regulatory requirements
Fork Lift Certification
Hours of work and compensation:
This is a full-time, year-round position with irregular scheduling requirements
Compensation will be in the form of a competitive salary (45-55k, annually), health benefits after 3 months, and an employee discount
Total compensation package will be commensurate with experience