Job Description

Peninsula Ridge is a world class wine and culinary destination catering to guests who are looking to pair a relaxed and casual atmosphere with an incredible experience. The property is stunning, with breathtaking views of the Niagara Escarpment, Lake Ontario including the Toronto Skyline and of course our pristine vineyards.

Position Summary

The Associate Winemaker supports the Head Winemaker in all aspects of wine production and cellar operations. This role is hands-on and leadership-oriented, encompassing harvest execution, fermentation management, quality control, regulatory compliance, staff supervision, and continuous improvement of winery operations in accordance with

Ontario VQA, and AGCO

standards.

If you do not have a minimum of 2-5 years of progressive winery experience, please do not apply for this job. The starting salary is for the probationary period and will be reviewed after 3 months.

Key Responsibilities

Winemaking & Production

Assist in planning and execution of all winemaking activities from harvest through bottling Participate in grape maturity sampling and harvest scheduling in collaboration with vineyard partners Oversee fruit receiving, crushing, pressing, fermentations, racking, blending, stabilization, and finishing Monitor fermentations and wine development daily; make adjustments as required to ensure quality Participate in blending trials and support final blend decisions Coordinate bottling preparation, line setup, sanitation, and post-bottling quality review

Cellar & Operations Management

Help manage daily cellar workflow and production schedules Maintain standard operating procedures, sanitation protocols, and workplace safety Ensure proper operation, cleaning, and maintenance of tanks, presses, pumps, and bottling equipment Assist in coordinating with suppliers and service providers for equipment servicing

Quality Control, Food Safety & Compliance

Maintain winery sanitation and hygiene standards in accordance with

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA)

guidelines Conduct and/or oversee basic laboratory analysis (Brix, pH, TA, SO?, dissolved oxygen, etc.) Maintain accurate production records to meet

VQA Ontario

,

AGCO

, and

Canada Revenue Agency (excise)

requirements Support VQA audits, inspections, and documentation for wine approvals Ensure compliance with labeling, lot tracking, and traceability standards Assist in food safety programs such as

HACCP

or

Preventive Control Plans

Vineyard Liaison

Working with the Head Winemaker, coordinate with vineyard managers and grape growers on crop estimates, fruit quality, and harvest timing Participate in vineyard walks and provide feedback on viticultural practices affecting wine quality Support Ontario grape purchasing agreements and grower communications as required

Inventory, Logistics & Cost Control

Assist with managing bulk wine, barrel, and dry goods inventories Track wine movements, blending records, and finished goods transfers Support coordination of bottling, storage, and off-site warehousing if applicable Assist with production planning to meet sales forecasts and seasonal demand

Health, Safety & Workplace Standards

Promote a strong safety-first culture in compliance with

Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act

Ensure safe operation of all cellar equipment and adherence to WHMIS and confined space protocols Participate in safety training, incident reporting, and continuous improvement of safe work practices

Cross-Department Collaboration

Work with sales, marketing, and hospitality teams to support product knowledge and staff training Participate in tastings, winemaker dinners, media visits, and industry events as required Contribute to new product development and continuous quality improvement initiatives

Qualifications

Degree or diploma in

Enology, Viticulture, Food Science

, or related field Minimum

2-5 years

of progressive winery experience, preferably in Ontario Strong understanding of cool-climate winemaking and hybrid/Vitis vinifera varieties Working knowledge of

VQA Ontario

,

AGCO

, and excise requirements Demonstrated leadership ability with experience supervising staff Strong organizational, record-keeping, and problem-solving skills Physically able to lift up to 25 kg, work extended hours during harvest, and perform cellar duties Forklift certification an asset (or willingness to obtain) Passion for Ontario wine, craftsmanship, and continuous learning

What We Offer

Competitive salary commensurate with experience Opportunity to work in a respected Ontario winery with strong market presence Hands-on involvement in all aspects of production Supportive, professional team environment Opportunities for career advancement and professional development
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $43,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events On-site parking Paid time off Store discount Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person