Assistant Winemaker
Location: Oliver, BC, V0H 1T1
Position Type: Full-Time Contract
Salary Range: Starting at $25/hour (based on candidate experience & qualifications)
Industry: Wine Production / Winery
About Us:
Sunocean Wineries and Estates Inc., operating as Church & State Wines, features two unique vineyard properties located in the Okanagan and on Vancouver Island.
Church & State Wines is committed to producing premium-quality wines through thoughtful vineyard management, careful winemaking practices, and a dedicated team passionate about excellence in wine production.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Assistant Winemaker to join our winemaking team in Oliver, BC. Reporting directly to the Head Winemaker, the Assistant Winemaker will support all aspects of wine production, including cellar operations, bottling, quality control, and production team supervision.
The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of winemaking processes, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced winery environment.
This position will begin as a 6-month contract, with the opportunity to transition into a long-term position based on performance and business needs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work closely with the Head Winemaker on all aspects of wine production, including practical and technical winemaking activities.
- Monitor wine development and apply appropriate handling and processing techniques to produce premium-quality wines.
- Assist with wine blending and evaluation processes.
- Coordinate bottling operations, including organizing materials, equipment maintenance, labour requirements, finished goods shipping, production records, and related activities.
- Maintain cellar organization, cleanliness, and sanitation standards at the highest level.
- Identify, assign, and monitor completion of cellar activities.
- Coordinate shipping and receiving activities, warehouse transfers, and inventory management.
- Ensure winery operations comply with company policies, VQA standards, and applicable federal and provincial regulations.
- Ensure VQA submissions are completed accurately and within required timelines.
- Support and promote company Health & Safety policies by identifying hazards, providing training, and maintaining a safe working environment.
- Receive, weigh, and maintain accurate records of incoming grapes.
- Coordinate and execute crushing and pressing operations.
- Perform and oversee rackings, inoculations, and cap management of red fermenters.
- Monitor fermentation temperatures, Brix levels, and conduct sensory evaluations of fermenting tanks.
- Supervise laboratory activities to ensure accurate.
- Supervise permanent and seasonal production staff.
- Perform Head Winemaker duties when required during the Winemaker’s absence.
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Enology studies required, or equivalent hands-on experience in a similar winemaking position.
- Previous experience as an Assistant Winemaker or in a comparable winery production role preferred.
- Strong knowledge of cellar operations, fermentation management, wine production, and quality control processes.
- Ability to maintain accurate production records.
- Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced production environment.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to supervise and support production staff.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and sanitation.
- Availability to start quickly and support upcoming harvest operations.
- Legally authorized to work in Canada.
What We Offer:
- Competitive starting wage of CA$25/hour (based on candidate experience and qualifications).
- Opportunity for a long-term career with a growing and respected winery.
- Hands-on experience working with an experienced winemaking team.
- Employee discounts on wine products.
- Supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Opportunity to contribute to the production of premium-quality wines.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position at
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Oliver, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- cellar operations, fermentation management, wine production: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
