Pelee Island Winery & Vineyards Inc, located in Kingsville, ON, is a 700+ acre farm in Canada’s warmest grape growing region with a winemaking history dating back over 150 years. We take pride in consistently producing exceptional wines in an ecologically conscious manner, crafted for our customers to enjoy. Our approachable wines are designed to exceed expectations and create memorable experiences for our visitors.
Role Description
The Winemaker is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the wine production process, including grape harvesting, crushing, fermentation, aging, blending, and distillation. This includes strategic direction as well as day-to-day operations. Assignments involve work of a confidential or complex nature, necessitating exposure to sensitive information and contacts requiring considerable discretion, judgment, tact and diplomacy as well as a practical knowledge of the practices and procedures of the function, general company policies and programs.
- Set and implement direction on the processing of the grapes, production of wine, and storage of product
- Monitor and direct distillation activities.
- Maintain records as required for the purpose of meeting government and company requirements
- Supervise maintenance and repair of equipment and tanks used in the cellar operations
- Work collaboratively with Grower Relations to manage incoming fruit and during harvest determine the need for and manage outside contractors as needed
- Monitor the condition of all wines in an effort to prevent spoilage
- Assist in development of the product mix and grape needs for coming season
- Work with sales to project the desired product mix based on the past years’ sales
- Collaborate with the Production and Sales teams to plan blends and products to be produced to meet the projections of the sales group
- Work as part of the leadership team to help set company direction
- Actively engage with company management to work through important business opportunities and changes
- Continually look to innovate winemaking and production and adapt to changing market conditions
- Develop business cases and rollout plans for new initiatives
- Coach/mentor direct reports and provide regular feedback on performance
- Responsible for recruiting, hiring, and discipline of all cellar personnel
- Actively participate in company-wide employee evaluation process
- Knowledge of grapes, growing regions, and local production and marketing regulations
- Required to work extended hours during peak times of the year to ensure wine quality
- Required to possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Required to identify and articulate variances in wine color by sight and identify wine flavors by taste and smell
- Ability to occasionally lift 50+ pounds; work with various chemicals and in various temperatures
- Required to be at least 19 years of age
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Enology, Chemistry, Food Science or related field. Minimum two years of experience as an Assistant Winemaker. Experience with both the practical and technical aspects of the winemaking process and understanding of winemaking regulatory requirements, including all aspects of harvest, fermentation, cellar work, and winemaking analysis is required. Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the ability to gain knowledge of other related computer programs and databases. Knowledge of Government Regulations – specifically TTB and state regulations on alcoholic beverage production, distribution, and packaging.
Language Skills
Must possess excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills. Ability to read and interpret documents such as specifications, work orders, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, labels and material safety data sheets (MSDS) as written in English. Ability to convey all relevant information in the form of simple written reports or requests in English.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtracts, multiply, and divides in all units of measure, using whole numbers, fraction and decimals. Ability to calculate yield, rate and control limits using hand-held, electronic scientific calculators.
Reasoning Ability
Strong attention-to-detail and good project management skills with ability to prioritize multiple tasks. Strong organizational, problem solving, and analytical skills. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Ability to deal with common process issues effectively and with minimal supervision.
