Assistant Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Dobbin Estate Vineyard & Winery

  St. Catharines, Ontario

 

Reporting to the Domaine Manager & Consulting Winemaker, the primary responsibilities of Assistant Winemaker are to work with the Consulting Winemaker to develop and execute a harvest, cellar and bottling plan.

The Opportunity:

·        To grow into the principal winemaking position at a winery targeting to be Ontario’s finest estate wine producer

·        To focus, under the mentorship of top viticultural and winemaking consultants, on only 2500 cases of top-end Pinot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Riesling from an excellent Bench vineyard site

·        To grow into the key spokesperson for this exclusive new wine property and brand

Responsibilities include:

·        Initially, as an assistant winemaker in the entire sphere of viticulture, winemaking and marketing

·        Monitoring wine quality and working to ensure that the quality and integrity of the vineyard harvest is maintained.

·        With the Domaine Manager and winery consultants, development and execution of all aspects of winery operation, including bottling, purchasing of packaging and mobile bottling coordination.

·        Smooth operation of the cellars for organic production

·        Maintaining organic certification records and compliance.

·        Accurate and timely record keeping, lab analysis and review tastings. Maintain winemaking records in compliance with audit, VQA and company standards.

·        Development of cellar staff

• Management and maintenance of winemaking equipment.

Skills & Attributes:

·        A true passion for high quality wine and a quest to make the finest

·        An excellent, developing palate for fine wine.

• A minimum of three years of quality cellarhand/winemaking experience

• A Degree or Diploma in Oenology, Viticulture or Fermentation Sciences, Food Science or science-related field from a university or college.

• A knowledge of winemaking equipment, processes and procedures.

·        A developing knowledge of microbiology and fermentation management.

 

·        A valid First Aid/CPR certificate. Forklift operator certificate and driver’s license.

• Strong spoken and written communications.

• A commitment to excellence and high work standards, and attention to detail.

• Multi-tasking and prioritization.

·        Computer software competence, including Microsoft Office programs, especially MS Excel, Word, and Outlook. 

 

Commensurate with experience

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