Arterra Wines Canada

Winemaker

Niagara Falls Full time

Job Description:

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 undergoing a pivotal transformation, actively in search of dynamic individuals 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 functions? If so, we look forward to hearing from you!

About The Role:

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Winemaker to join our team in a leadership role. Reporting to the Director of Winemaking, where you will oversee the production of high-quality commercial-scale wines with a specialty in reds. In this critical position, you will ensure all products meet stringent regulatory and VQA standards while managing the winemaking process from grape selection to bottling.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical foundation in oenology, at least 3-5 years of cellar experience, and a proactive approach to optimizing production and supporting continuous improvement.

This is a full-time permanent role.

Key Responsibilities:

Winemaking

  • Lead winemaking from grape to bottle across VQA wines.

  • Plan and manage harvest, fermentations, blending, maturation, and bottling

  • Work closely with vineyard management to optimize grape quality

  • Lead and mentor the cellar team

  • Ensure quality control, hygiene, and regulatory compliance

  • Contribute to brand development, tastings, and growth initiatives

Continuous Improvement

  • Drive innovation through experimentation and small-batch projects

  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and training.

  • Support the NPD process to ensure successful launch of new products.

  • Adhere to all OH&S, GMP, HACCP and ISO initiatives for the site.

Support Internal Programs

  • Support the supply /demand forecasting process. Especially related to accurate blend codes for all wines in the wine system as “make” numbers are provided. As well as providing guidance on recipes / naming conventions.

  • Support on site communication programs as required.

Qualifications:

  • Degree in Food Sciences, Oenology, or Viticulture, or an equivalent required.

  • 3-5 Years of experience working in a winery cellar required.

  • Strong technical skills across different winemaking styles

  • Hands-on leader with strong organizational and communication skills

  • Thorough knowledge of Cellar, Lab, and Bottling

  • Propensity to quickly learn greater business concepts (analytics, business systems, blend development,)

  • Excellent organization skill.

  • Analysis and synthesis of data.

  • Excellent skill level with Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook. 

  • Relationship building and positive, “Can-Do” attitude.

  • Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

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 – $115,389.00 - $149,327.00 The budgeted range takes into account 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 offering at Arterra.

The budgeted range will align with qualifications, including experience, education, training, licenses, certifications, and other business and organizational requirements.

requirements.

Accessibility:

We are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that reflects the diverse population it serves, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We are also committed to preventing and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities, and we invite you to inform us should you have any accessibility or accommodation needs.

We are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that reflects the diverse population it serves and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We are also committed to preventing and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities, and we invite you to inform us should you have any accessibility or accommodation needs.