Assistant Winemaker
CheckMate Artisanal Winery
Golden Mile Bench, Oliver, British Columbia
Craft Excellence in One of the World’s Most Extraordinary Wine Regions
CheckMate Artisanal Winery is redefining what’s possible in Chardonnay and Bordeaux Red production from our dramatic Okanagan Valley landscape—an environment known for rugged beauty, high‑elevation vineyards, deep glacial lakes, and a terroir unlike anywhere else on earth. Winemaking here is never predictable; it’s a game of strategy, precision, and bold innovation.
As Assistant Winemaker, you’ll join a team committed to meticulous craftsmanship—producing small‑lot, globally acclaimed wines.
What You’ll Do:
We're looking for an Assistant Winemaker that's ready to jump in and contribute as a member of a winemaking team dedicated to producing world-class wines and providing the finest and most intimate estate winery experience. The role participates in the execution of all winemaking activities related to production.
Want to know more? You will…
- Lead cellar and winemaking operations, including grape intake, pressing, ferment management, transfers, temperature control, lab work, and bottling.
- Coordinate harvest logistics and fruit processing, issuing work orders and working closely with the Winemaker.
- Monitor fermentations and aging vessels, conducting regular sensory evaluations and communicating quality observations to the winemaking team.
- Make technical decisions at key control points, including press cuts, juice racking’s, cap management, and sorting performance.
- Oversee blending, stabilization, and bottling activities for internal quality standards.
- Train and support cellar staff, leading by example while maintaining consistent communication and high safety and sanitation standards.
- Maintain accurate production, harvest, and laboratory records and support the development of SOPs and quality control documentation.
Who You Are
- University degree in an Oenology/Winemaking or applicable Science Related Field
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a quality-focused Winemaking environment, with year-round cellar experience
- Minimum of 3 harvests experience, an international harvest is an asset
- Highly motivated, organized, detail-oriented, flexible and able to work independently and in a team environment.
- Strong computer literacy, experienced with MS Office and the ability to learn and use company wine inventory system
- Drive for continuous improvement and innovative ideas.
- Must be eligible to work in Canada
- Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the position
What We Offer
- The typical hiring range for this position is$65,000 - $75,000 annually complemented by a bonus plan; the base pay is determined by market location and job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and education.
- Access to company-matched RRSP contributions
- Extended health and dental benefits, and mental health plans with 24/7 access to care and support for you and your family
- Paid time off
- Monthly Employee Wine Allowance
Why Join Us?
- We offer industry‑leading mentorship, exposure to elite Chardonnay and Bordeaux Red wine production, modern facilities designed by internationally renowned architect Tom Kundig, and the chance to work in one of Canada’s most architecturally striking wineries.
- Whether you’re building a career in global winemaking or seeking a challenging experience to grow and evolve, CheckMate is a destination winery committed to helping you elevate your craft.
- Discounts on tours, experiences, and restaurants at our collection of wineries including Mission Hill Family Estate, CedarCreek Estate Winery, Road 13 Vineyards, and Liquidity Wines
