Cellar Hand (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Hidden Bench Estate Winery

  Beamsville, Ontario

Founded in 2003, Hidden Bench Estate Winery is an estate, terroir-focused winery dedicated to crafting premium wines solely from our own certified organic vineyards situated within the Beamsville Bench VQA sub-appellation of Ontario. The consistent quality of our wine is a result of both the exceptional terroir we farm and our team’s passion for uncompromising excellence, embodied in our acute attention to detail from vineyard to bottle. Our goal has been, and will always be, to produce wine that Canadians can serve with pride and confidence side by side with any benchmark international wine. Non-interventionist, quality-focused and terroir-driven, Hidden Bench has established an ongoing reputation for consistent excellence both domestically and internationally with many award-winning wines.

Job Description:

We are seeking applications from a suitably qualified and motivated person for a Cellar Hand position to help us achieve our goals. Our varietal focus is on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and Gamay as well as a small volume of Bordeaux whites and reds and traditional method sparkling. You will gain experience working with certified organic, ultra-premium, cool-climate fruit as well as new world and traditional winemaking techniques and styles.

This hands-on position involves every aspect of production from crush pad to bottle, working closely with the Winemaker.

Your key responsibilities will be (but not limited to):

• Carry out specific functions in the cellar, including, but not limited to the following: transfers, rackings, additions, barrel work, filtration, cleaning and organizing of winery.
• Carry out proper techniques for maintenance of winery equipment and infrastructure.
• Follow standard operating procedures in the performance of all cellar activities to ensure that maximum productivity and wine quality goals are achieved.
• Record Keeping.
• Operation/Supervision of the crush pad during harvest.
• Bottling Operations Supervision.
• Adhere to all safety policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate high levels of detail in all aspects of your work.
• Evaluating wines during blending sessions in conjunction with the rest of the team.
• Lab Analysis, when required.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience/Skills

• University or College qualification in Viticulture and Oenology.
• 2-3 years previous cellar experience required.
• Demonstratable personal experience and commitment to the following areas: reliability, organization, motivation, communication, positivity and attention to detail.
• Experience or a keen interest to learn about organic winegrowing is a must.
• An enthusiasm for fine wine, artisanal practices and a dedication to quality and hard work.
• Ability to work in a team environment with all winery employees.
• Ability to work independently, efficiently and accurately.
• Willingness to work extended and flexible hours when necessary.
• Experienced forklift operators preferred.
• Lab experience an asset.
• Experience with winemaking software such as Vinsight is an asset.
• Must be able to lift 25kg on a regular basis.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office programs – i.e. Excel & Word.

This is a full-time position starting in March 2025. If you feel that this position fits with your career goals, please apply in confidence by forwarding your resume as well as a cover letter laying out your motivation for joining the Hidden Bench team and your passion for wine. Please send in your application by February 7th, 2025

Compensation and further information:
Hourly wage based on experience and skills.
Group Benefits including annual wine allocation.
Must be eligible to work in Canada.

Only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.