Assistant Winemaker (6-Month Contract)

Description

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Role: Winemaker, Assistant (6-Month Contract)

Location: NFC Site, Niagara Falls

Start: ASAP

End: February 26, 2026

Reports To: Senior Winemaker

Why Join Arterra Wines?

At Arterra Wines Canada, we aim to inspire the simple joys of life, and we come to work every day with a shared passion to build wine brands people love. As a pioneer in the Canadian wine industry with 150 years of experience, our success is driven by our people. We work together with integrity and pride, striving to reach our fullest potential every day, and we’re looking for people who do the same.

We are actively in search of dynamic person that is poised to make a substantial impact within our ever-evolving organization. Are you someone who embraces change and excels in diverse roles that span across various wine functions? If so, we look forward to hearing from you!

Role Summary

Reporting to the Winemaker, the Assistant Winemaker plays a key role in supporting the production of high-quality wines across the winemaking process. This position partners closely with cellar, laboratory, quality, and operations teams to ensure wines are produced efficiently, consistently, and in accordance with quality standards. The Assistant Winemaker contributes to harvest planning and execution, wine evaluation, blending trials, regulatory compliance, product innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives while fostering a culture of safety and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Winemaker in all phases of the winemaking process, from grape reception through fermentation, aging, blending, stabilization, and bottling.
• Monitor wine quality through regular tasting, analysis, and evaluation, making recommendations to ensure style and quality objectives are achieved.
• Collaborate with cellar operations to plan and execute winemaking activities, including fermentation management, additions, transfers, filtration, and wine movements.
• Assist with harvest planning, grape intake coordination, and vintage execution to ensure efficient processing and quality outcomes.
• Conduct and evaluate blending trials, providing data-driven recommendations for final product development.
• Maintain accurate winemaking records and ensure compliance with regulatory, food safety, quality assurance, and traceability requirements.
• Work closely with laboratory teams to interpret analytical data and implement corrective actions as required.
• Support new product development initiatives and innovation projects across the wine portfolio.
• Participate in inventory management, forecasting, and production planning activities.
• Promote and uphold a strong health, safety, and environmental culture while ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and operational efficiencies throughout the winemaking function.
• Provide leadership and technical guidance to cellar staff, seasonal employees, and harvest crews as required.

What You Bring

• Degree or diploma in Enology, Viticulture, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Minimum 2–5 years of progressive winemaking experience, preferably in a commercial winery environment.
• Strong knowledge of winemaking principles, fermentation management, wine chemistry, and quality systems.
• Hands-on harvest experience with demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong sensory evaluation and wine tasting skills.
• Experience interpreting laboratory analysis and applying results to winemaking decisions.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and winery management software.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and extended shifts during harvest.
• Passion for wine, continuous learning, and contributing to a high-performance team environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary and Bonus.
• Benefits and Pension Plan.
• Product Allowances.
• Training & Development Programs.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility.
• A chance to explore and learn more about the Wine industry.

Compensation:

Budgeted Range – $70,000/yr to $90,000/yr. The budgeted range accounts for several factors and qualifications that are considered in making compensation decisions including experience, education, training, licenses, certifications, and other business and organizational requirements. Base pay is only one component of the total rewards offered at Arterra.

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