Lead Winemaker at Nostalgia Wines Inc

Lead Winemaker at Nostalgia Wines Inc. 4900 Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC V0H 1T1

About Us

Nostalgia Wines Inc. is an award-winning boutique family winery situated on the Black Sage Bench in Oliver, British Columbia. We produce approximately 5,000 cases of wine annually from our estate vineyard and local long-time growers, with room and ambition to grow. We craft fruit-forward dry and off-dry whites, rosé, medium- and heavy-bodied reds, as well as port style and sparkling wine.

We're proud of our recent recognition at the 2024 WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada, placing 3rd for Small Winery in Canada, 5th among all winery sites in BC, and 7th in the top 25 wineries in Canada across all sizes, along with numerous other medals and accolades. As a small family-run operation, we focus on creating small-batch wines with passion and attention to detail. Our devoted, long-standing team values collaboration, quality, and a positive work environment. We're looking for someone who shares our passion for winemaking to join us.

The Position

We are seeking a passionate Lead Winemaker to take ownership of all winemaking operations. The current position offers variable hours based on winery needs and the evolving demands of the wines and cellar. Candidates interested in contributing to other areas of the business (such as tasting room, hospitality, or other winery operations) may be considered for a full-time salaried position.

The Lead Winemaker is responsible for driving wine styles, maintaining cellar operations, conducting grape and wine quality checks, managing bulk wine inventory, ordering supplies, performing in-house lab testing, maintaining grower relationships, and managing the cellar team. This is a hands-on, physical role—you will be actively involved in all cellar work and may often be the only person in the cellar.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the wine industry (international experience is beneficial)
• University or college qualification in Oenology or a Science-Related Field is an asset
• Experience in all aspects of cellar activities
• Physically capable of performing winemaking duties, including climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 pounds, and standing for extended periods
• Valid forklift operator certification or ability to obtain one
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently, efficiently, and accurately
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Strong work ethic, growth mindset, and passion for winemaking
• Team leadership skills with the ability to foster a positive work environment

Key Responsibilities

Winemaking Operations:

• Order harvest, winemaking, barrel, and packaging supplies; liaise with Owner for all purchases
• Source and order barrels; manage barrel inventory, cleaning, operations, and usage tracking
• Oversee all aspects of harvest: fruit receival, processing, inoculations, monitoring fermentations and additions, pump-overs, punch-downs, filtrations, racking, and cleaning
• Conduct laboratory analysis and all sensory evaluations
• Manage blending, fining, and correcting wine faults
• Collaborate with the Nostalgia team to shape vintage styles, maintain house styles, and incorporate evolving wine trends
• Operate, clean, and maintain winery equipment
• Maintain cellar cleanliness and organization
• Organize, supervise, and operate bottling line
• Manage warehouse operations including forklift use, shipping, and receiving
• Source and manage cellar staff

Vineyard Duties:

• Liaise with vineyard management team
• Conduct quality checks and harvest ripeness sampling
• Monitor Brix, pH, TA, and other harvest metrics

Reporting & Documentation:

• Submit monthly excise duty reports (bulk)
• Maintain notes in online shared cellar log
• Track barrel sulfur/maintenance activities
• Keep barrel movement records current

Additional Duties:

• Represent the winery at events (OOWA events, winemaker dinners, media interviews)
• Conduct bottled inventory counts
• Manage inventory movements to and from warehouse

Performance Expectations

• Complete weekly work order checklists for all operations
• Work flexible hours throughout the year based on operational demands
• Maintain open and consistent communication with Owner and Nostalgia team, including regular meetings to discuss wine styles, sales, projections, and budgets

Schedule

The current position follows a seasonal schedule:

• Peak Season (September to March): 10 to 40+ hours per week depending on harvest and production needs
• Maintenance and Planning (April to August): 15 to 20 hours per week

Compensation & Benefits

• · Competitive hourly rate based on experience and qualifications
• · Health benefits package
• · Wine allocation

Application Details

• · Start Date: Immediately
• · Application Deadline: Open until filled Please send your resume and cover letter to

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Seasonal

Pay: $25.00-$35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 40 per week

Work Location: In person