Harvest Assistant Winemaker

Mission Hill Family Estate • West Kelowna, BC

7d • CA$60,000 - CA$70,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Mission Hill Family Estate is seeking a Harvest Assistant Winemaker for the upcoming crush, focusing on their premium Chardonnay and Bordeaux programs. This role involves providing vital winemaking and quality assurance support from fruit intake to barrel. The ideal candidate will enjoy hands-on winemaking and contributing to a collaborative estate environment.

Requirements

• Degree in Oenology or Food Science required.
• Minimum of 3 completed harvests required.
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Possess reliable transportation.
• Secure independent accommodation.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Trustworthy character.
• Ability to multi-task under tight harvest timelines.

Nice To Haves

• Experience across various winery sizes and full yearly winemaking cycles preferred.
• International harvest experience (ideally with Chardonnay or Bordeaux varieties) is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate fruit intake and liaise with the crush crew to ensure lots are processed to the correct presses and tanks.
• Monitor press progress and taste juices to make critical press cut decisions for white juice and basket-pressed red wines.
• Supervise white juice racking to winemaker specifications and assess optical sorter performance for desired berry selection.
• Maintain daily oversight of white and red tanks, conducting sensory assessments on settling, cold soak, and active ferments.
• Manage automated red pump-overs and monitor punch-downs, reporting any quality concerns directly to the winemakers.
• Inspect empty barrels for soundness before filling, prepare accurate work orders, and provide clear guidance to the cellar crew.
• Participate in daily team tastings and assist with extra winemaking projects as needed.

Benefits

• An extensive offering of world leading learning and development programs to empower your career development – in-person and digital offerings with internationally renowned resources like Franklin Covey and Lumina.
• Discounts on tours, restaurants, and experiences at our collection of estate wineries
• Free tastings for you and your guests

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level