Assistant Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Tawse Winery (http://www.tawsewinery.ca)

  Vineland, Ontario

Tawse is a family-owned winery dedicated to producing premium terroir-driven wines. We produce certified Organic wines from over 160 acres of premium Niagara vineyards. Our portfolio includes a large traditional method sparkling wine program, world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as Riesling and Cabernet Franc. As part of our production team, you will also work with wines from our sister company, Redstone Winery. Our production also includes cider and spirits. We produce approximately 45,000 cases each year.

We are currently looking for a highly motivated Assistant Winemaker.

In this role you will:

• Ensure smooth daily operation in the cellars alongside the winemaker
• Supervise cellar and laboratory team, Ensuring staff members are following all company policies as well as health and safety guidelines
• Schedule and delegate responsibilities under the guidance of the winemaker
• Attend daily production and planning meetings
• Maintain records of bulk inventory for wine and ingredients through winery software
• Distribute written work orders for cellar operations
• Maintain quality controls from wine quality to packaging with a focus on organic winemaking procedures
• Ensure production plans and are met in terms of packaging, distilling, blending and other cellar operations
• Maintain cellar equipment and train staff on safe procedures and practices
• Uphold cleanliness of the cellars and equipment
• Monitor winery essentials, water supply, wastewater heating and cooling
• Maintain supplies of ingredients and placing orders to suppliers    
• Perform basic lab analysis
• Monitor sensory profile of wines to maintain quality
• Monitor fermentation of wine, cider, and grains for spirit production
• Liaison between senior management and production staff regarding concerns and issues
• Train staff on Health and Safety
• Ensure staff are properly cross trained and able to do any task as needed in the cellar
• Assist with staff development and performance management procedures
• Order labels based on volume requirements provided by winemaker, following all requirements under the VQA and ecocert labelling guidelines
• Hire, development, and supervision of harvest staff
• Operate crush pad equipment and facilitate harvest operations

Other expectations

• Able to work flexible hours throughout the year, based on demand
• Support all other areas of the business
• Work special events and manage teams
• Assist with creating a positive workplace environment
• Exhibit positive behaviors
• Foster teamwork, trust and collaboration

Assets

• Forklift experience
• Experience operating packaging equipment
• Strong understanding of lab analysis

Requirements:

• Advanced leadership skills; able to manage others effectively
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Persistent organizational & time management skills
• Able to work in a dynamic fast paced team environment
• Able to adhere to tight deadlines or similar demands with accuracy
• Ability to identify and solve problems
• Able to communicate well with supervisors and others
• Strong adherence to safety and operational procedures
• Full drivers license and clean driving record
• Willing and able to work extended hours, any day of the week
• Must be a Canadian Citizen - or - have residency status
• Minimum of 4 years experience in cellar or similar role
• University or College Degree in Oenology and Viticulture
• Proficient in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Must meet physical demands including
  standing for long periods of time;
  navigating stairs;
  working in various weather conditions;
  lifting up to 20kg;
  working at heights;
  working in small spaces 

Please include your Resume and two most recent references with E-mail addresses.
Apply by email ONLY to Jessica: [email protected] before the 1^st of December 2023 

This is a permanent, full-time position. The compensation for this role will be between $23 to $28 hourly (based on experience), with overtime calculated over 44 hours/week. It also includes 3 weeks’ vacation, extended health, vision and dental benefits, and a wine allocation.