Cellar Master
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
NIAGARA ON THE LAKE,
Ontario
CELLAR MASTER
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 Cellar Master. 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 Cellar Master is a driven and independent individual, who drives winemaking activities and objectives at Big Head. The Cellar Master facilitates in all day-to-day operations of the cellar, including harvest, bulk wine, bottling, barrel preparation, sanitation, and organization. The Cellar Master supervises and participates in grape receiving, crushing, processing, and wine production.
This is a meticulous and hands-on position. The Cellar Master is involved in countless tasks throughout the course of the winemaking year, with ebbs and flows attributed to seasonal change, and the projected growth trajectory of the organization. The Cellar Master must have an open availability, and an understanding that hours can be long and at times irregular.
Growth Opportunity:
The Cellar Master 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 Cellar Master. 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
- Assisting in solving logistical and operational problems as they arise
- Conducting facility inspection(s) for sanitization, organization, and performance
- Maintaining and repairing cellar equipment as required
- Participating in making modifications to SOPs, equipment, and facilities
- Acting as point of contact for vendors and service representatives where necessary
- Adhering to and upholding all standards set forth by Andrzej and Big Head Wine
Qualifications:
- A certificate or degree in Oenology/Winemaking from an accredited academic institution
- Minimum 3-5 years working experience in other winery environments (full time cellar work with experience operating pumps, presses and forklift – licensed) with references to support
- Strong mechanical skills in relation to winery equipment maintenance and upkeep
- Ability to 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
- Ability to work in a changing environment
- Ability to solve technical/processing problems as they arise
- Experience with both the practical and technical aspects of the winemaking process and understand winemaking regulatory requirements a must
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, health benefits after 3 months, and employee discount. Total compensation package will be commensurate with experience.
