From Vine to Glass on the Naramata Bench
Perched above Okanagan Lake on the celebrated Naramata Bench, Little Engine Wines is driven by a singular obsession: making wines that reflect the extraordinary place they come from. We're looking for an Assistant Winemaker who is equally at home walking vineyard rows in the morning and running lab analysis in the afternoon — someone who sees the grape-to-glass journey as one connected story, not two separate jobs.
The Role
Under the guidance of our Winemaker, you'll take on real responsibility across both cellar and vineyard operations — gaining hands-on experience in every facet of production while contributing meaningfully to the quality and character of our wines.
Cellar Management & Lab
- Lead cellar operations including grape receival, fruit processing, fermentation management, transfers, aging, stabilization, and bottling
- Run quality control and laboratory programs to support best practices from harvest through to bottling
- Assist with harvest logistics, guiding and training the harvest team
- Maintain accurate cellar records and consumable inventory levels
- Make recommendations on equipment and supply purchasing to ensure cellar efficiency
Vineyard Management
- Assist in day-to-day vineyard workflow and serve as a liaison between vineyard and winery teams
- Develop annual vineyard plans and crop estimates
- Oversee vineyard establishment, replanting, and ongoing maintenance
- Implement irrigation programs, IPM, nutrient management, canopy management, and pruning strategies
- Manage crop yields through practices such as cluster thinning and vine vigour adjustment
- Operate vineyard tractors and equipment for tasks including mowing, spraying, hedging, cultivating, and harvesting
- Maintain all vineyard machinery; keep equipment shed clean and well-organized
- Assist seasonal crew with pruning, shoot-thinning, tucking, wire lifting, leaf removal, and fruit thinning
Team & Operations
- Train and supervise cellar and vineyard crew; monitor hours and maintain timesheets
- Promote a safe working environment for all staff and contractors
- Allocate labour, equipment, and materials efficiently
- Research and support the application of government and industry grants and funding opportunities
Who You Are
- Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a cellar or vineyard role
- A passion for sustainable vineyard practices
- Tractor and forklift certified (or willing to obtain certification)
- Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing operations independently
- Strong communicator with solid record-keeping habits
- International winery experience and Spanish language skills are both assets
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of $62,000 – $72,000, commensurate with experience
- Extended health and dental benefits
- Monthly employee wine allowance
- Mentorship from our Winemaker and access to industry events, conferences, and educational opportunities
- The chance to build your career surrounded by one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world
To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Pay: $62,000.00-$72,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Experience:
- winery: 2 years (preferred)
Language:
Work Location: In person
