Job Status: Filled

Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

Full Time

  Burning Kiln Winery (http://www.burningkilnwinery.ca/)

  Norfolk County, Ontario

Burning Kiln Winery is in Norfolk County ON, close to the beaches and bike trails of Turkey Point and the UNESCO World Biosphere of Long Point.  For generations the sandy loam soils were used to grow tobacco, now these soils grow our premium winegrapes for our well-equipped craft winery.  Burning Kiln is a destination in the region for its exceptional small batch wines, culinary experinece and concert venue.  We a looking for a winemaker to join our dynamic team.  Our estate vineyard of 11ha is farmed to produce premium fruit that is hand harvested and sorted to give an excellent foundation for winemaking.  The successful applicant will be integral to creating wines that have personality unique to this region.

We are seeking a motivated and experienced winemaker who is detailed oriented and organised. The successful candidate will understand the winemaking process including sanitation, basic wine analysis, racking, filtration and the preparation of wine for bottling. Minimum experience of 5yrs within the industry is essential and the candidate should also have experience in the operation of forklifts and winemaking equipment.  This is a hands-on position, the candidate will be responsible for all wine and juice movements, sanitation and barrel work.  Some promotional time will be required for wine tastings and wine releases. 

Key Responsibilities,

Winemaking:

  • Manage all parts of the winemaking process, including processing, pressing, fermentation, racking and filtering.
  • Competent operation of a destemmer, crusher, pump, press and filter.
  • Work with the head winemaker to blend and age wines.
  • Help manage production including mobile bottling and warehousing.
  • Keep detailed records of all winemaking activities. 
  • Work with the head winemaker to ensure that OWAA VQA standards are being met at all stages of the winemaking process.
  • Be creative and innovative and strive for continuous improvement in grape growing, grape handling and winemaking. 

 Quality Control:

  • Implements quality control measures to ensure wine quality and consistency.
  • The candidate will perform routine analysis such as FSO2, pH, TA, VA and manage the lab so that results are accurate and precise.
  • Routine sensory evaluations for quality, style and oak selection.
  • Keep detailed records of all winemaking activities, including variety, tonnage, processing methods, aging conditions and additions.
  • Maintain winemaking equipment and facilities to ensure they are in good working condition.
  • Be responsible for cleaning and sanitization of all equipment.

  Vineyard:

  • Work with the vineyard manager to determine crop size and grape maturity for harvest.
  • Oversee picking and grape intake to manage fruit quality.
  • Assist in supervision of vineyard labour throughout the growing season including pruning/tying, de-hilling, suckering, tucking, shoot thinning, leaf pulling and hedging.

Qualifications

  • At least 5 years of experience in cellar and lab operations.
  • Winemaking or viticulture training is preferred but not essential.
  • Experience in basic wine analysis such as Brix, pH, TA, FSO2 and VA.
  • Strong multitasking skills and ability to manage a range of priorities. 
  • Excellent (English) verbal and written communication skills.
  • Computer skills with some knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Office.
  • Full drivers’ licence and clean driving record.
  • Forklift experience is essential.  Current certification is preferred but can be obtained.
  • Operation of a tractor is beneficial but not essential.
  • Working conditions may include field work, seasonally long hours, navigating stairs, working at heights, working in confined spaces, ability to lift 50lbs+.
  • All required training will be provided.
  • The candidate must be able to legally work in Canada.
  • Have a passion for fine wine

This is a salaried full-time position for the right candidate.  If a strong candidate is only interested in a harvest position they will be considered.  Temporary 3 season accommodation can be provided at market rates.    

Applications close July 28th.  We look to forward to hearing from you!

Compensation is based on the experience and ability of the successful candidate.

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