Job Description

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery is looking for a talented and experienced Head Winemaker to join our winemaking team in January, 2026!

Overview

Reporting to the Director, Estate Winery, this position oversees the winemaking process, from harvest to bottling, ensuring high-quality wine production aligned with brand portfolio and direction from sales based on forecast. Key responsibilities include collaborating with Director, Estate Winery, Sales Consultant, and Senior Winemaking Consultant, regarding the harvesting, managing fermentation, aging, and blending, as well as public relations and managing cellar operations in a profitable manner.

Role and Responsibilities

Collaboration

Work closely with Director, Estate Winery, Senior Winemaking Consultant and Sales Consultant to project the desired product mix based on the past year's sales, sales strategy and forecast. Assist in development of the product mix and grape/fruit needs for the coming season. Collaborate with leadership to plan blends and products to be produced to meet the sales projections. Participate in weekly Level 10 department meeting with Director & Executive Chef.

Grape Selection and Harvesting

Work with the Senior Management Team, determine the optimal time for harvesting grapes and manage the harvesting process; scouting and sampling. Checks samples and bench trials and performs tests as needed.

Fermentation and Aging

Monitor fermentation, controlling temperature, and managing the aging process. Monitor the condition of all wines and ciders to prevent spoilage.

Blending and Bottling

Work with the Director, Estate Winery, Sales Consultant and Senior Winemaking Consultant. Prepare wines for evaluation by the Tasting Panel. Responsible for creating the final blend and overseeing the bottling process. Responsible for organization and execution of bottling; orders supplies, arranges transportation and delivery of finished goods, leads line, consults with Retail Management and HR to source staff for line. Set production schedules in line with Director & Executive Chef and Sales Consultant based on inventory, financial and sales needs.

Quality Control

Performs daily checks of cellar area and reacts accordingly; checking cooling, leaks, temperatures, ingredient inventories, etc. Ensure the appropriate level of quality of wine aligned with the different product lines and price points of the wine offerings throughout each stage of winemaking. Responsible for all aspects of the wine lab (standardization, maintenance, execution of tests), wine and laboratory samples performed, record lab results in both tank track logs and lab logs. Creates SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for team.

Viticulture

Manages all viticulture operations from planting to harvest in coordination with Director, Estate Winery and Senior Winemaking Consultant. Liaises with contracted vineyard management company. Organizes and supervises outside contractors and staff. Ensures compliance with all regulations related to grape production.

Operational

Generate work orders and distribute to staff; supervise the execution of work orders and support staff. Supervise maintenance and repair of equipment and tanks used in the cellar operation. Manage inventory levels of supplies and materials used in the production of wine and cider. Actively engage with Ravine management to work through important business opportunities and changes. Work with Senior Management Team to continually look to innovate vineyard, winemaking and production based on sales strategy and winemaking strategy. Develop and present business cases and roll out plans for new initiatives. Manage outside contractors as needed in conjunction with the Executive Chef & Director, Estate Winery. Carries out all duties according to health and safety regulations while maintaining a clean and safe work environment.

Public Relations

Attend and participate in onsite and offsite promotional and public relations functions, tastings, wine pickup parties, and educational sessions. Lead public and private tours as needed. Promote Ravine and its products at every available opportunity.

Record Keeping and Reporting

Maintain accurate records of winemaking processes, including inventory and quality control. Performs monthly bulk barrel and tank inventory; review, re-count and adjust as needed before submitting final inventory to Accounting. Maintain records as required for the purpose of meeting government and corporate requirements. Catalogue completed work orders, bottling reports, and harvest slips. It is important that these records are maintained, organized and meet all AGCO/LCBO and VQA standards. Completes VQA submissions; enters and produces submissions. Follow direction regarding the processing of the grapes for wine / fruit for cider, production of wine / cider, storage of product and bottling of product. Maintain ongoing knowledge of product and styles of winemakers.

People & Culture

Creates the weekly staff schedule according to production needs ensuring fiscal responsibility. Support the cellar crew to ensure tasks are clear, and always provide a helping hand in tasks as needed (e.g. conducting pump overs and punch downs, filtration, racking, inoculations and additions). Reviews and authorizes employee timesheets for payroll in Dayforce. Leads recruitment and selection of Cellar team. Onboards, trains, managing and off boarding of staff within the Cellar team. Provides leadership, mentorship and direction to the cellar team, fostering a positive work environment and emulating the core values of Ravine. Provides positive motivators to team to ensure customer experience and standards are being met. Completes annual performance reviews for Cellar team, giving meaningful feedback on performance and potential. Shares accountability for overall engagement, productivity, turnover and bench strength of team. Ensure constant communication with staff and peers, attending regular meetings and training sessions to ensure alignment of priorities and goals. Execute other tasks and duties as required.

Reporting relationships

Reports to:

Director, Estate Winery

Direct Reports:

Assistant Winemaker, Harvest Intern



Educational & Experience Requirements

Minimum of 7 - 10 years of experience in progressive winemaking roles. Bachelor's degree in Oenology and Viticulture or College Diploma in Winery and Viticulture. First Aid Certificate and working knowledge of OHSA. Valid Smart Serve certificate required. Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and other computer applications. Must hold valid G class driver's license.

Preferred Skills

Viticulture and Oenology: Deep understanding of grape growing, fermentation, and wine chemistry. Sensory Evaluation: Strong palate and ability to assess wine quality through tasting. Leadership and Communication: Effectively managing teams, delegating, communicating with stakeholders, and providing training. Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Problem-Solving: Ability to address challenges that arise during the winemaking process. Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in all aspects of winemaking, from grape selection to bottling. Knowledge of Regulations: Understanding of wine-related regulations and labeling requirements. Adaptability: Ability to work in a dynamic environment and adapt to changing conditions.

Working Conditions

Available to work in the daytime, evening, weekends, weekdays and holidays as required. Must be available to work long hours, sometimes exceeding 8-hour days. Overtime as required.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to operate winemaking equipment. Must be able to lift objects weighing 50 pounds or more. Must be able to work extended hours performing manual labour. Must be able to work with chemicals, in confined spaces and in varying temperatures. Must be able to identify variances in wine colour, flavours and aromas.

Ravine is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Ravine is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

To request reasonable accommodation, please make a request via email to hr @ravinevineyard.com.