Winery Operations Technician (Cellar, Bottling & Warehouse)
This posting is for an existing vacancy
Artificial intelligence may be used in the screening and assessment of applicants.
Colio Estate Winery is looking for a motivated and versatile individual to join our Operations Team in Harrow. This hybrid position provides hands-on support across cellar, bottling, warehouse, and delivery operations throughout the year.
A bit of history…When we first opened our doors in 1980, we were recipients of the first winery license in the region since prohibition.
Today, our multi-award-winning picturesque winery in Harrow in the heart of what is now known as Essex/Pelee Island Coast Wine Country, boasts over three million litres of cooperage and produces over 400,000 cases per year.
JOB SUMMARY
The Winery Operations Technician plays a vital role in winery production and logistics, supporting bottling operations, harvest cellar activities, warehouse operations, and delivery functions throughout the year.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Bottling Operations
- Perform daily bottling line operations.
- Dump glass onto the bottling line safely and efficiently.
- Stack and pack finished cases.
- Complete bottling line start-up and shutdown procedures.
- Monitor production quality and line efficiency.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized bottling environment.
- Assist with sanitation and cleaning of bottling equipment.
Cellar Operations & Harvest
- Filter operation including crossflow, pad filter, and high solids filtration.
- Clean and sterilize winery equipment and tanks.
- Transfer, rack, and blend wine and juice.
- Carry out wine additions and inoculations.
- Perform barrel operations including filling, racking, topping, and cleaning.
- Conduct pump-overs, punch-downs, and red press-outs during harvest.
- Assist with grape receiving and processing activities.
- Maintain accurate production records.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized cellar environment.
- Support all harvest-related cellar activities as directed by the Winemaking Team.
Warehouse & Delivery Support
- Provide vacation coverage for warehouse personnel.
- Pick, stage, and prepare orders for shipment.
- Load and unload products safely and efficiently.
- Maintain warehouse organization and inventory accuracy.
- Conduct daily deliveries and pick-ups as required.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
- Ensure vehicles are loaded correctly and safely.
- Operate company vehicles in compliance with all applicable regulations.
- Complete delivery receipts, mileage logs, inspection reports, and related documentation.
- Maintain cleanliness of company vehicles.
- Assist customers and represent the winery professionally during deliveries.
Key Skills
- Mechanical aptitude and confidence working with equipment and machinery.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize workload effectively.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work safely and independently.
- Comfortable performing physical tasks including standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting.
- Forklift experience is considered an asset.
Eligibility Requirements
- Valid Ontario Driver's License with a clean driving record.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg) regularly.
- Ability to work at heights.
- Ability to work extended hours when required, particularly during harvest and Icewine harvest periods, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Ability to work 40–50 hours per week and additional hours during peak production periods.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in winery production, manufacturing, warehouse, agricultural, or food processing environments.
- Completion of, or working toward, post-secondary education in winemaking, oenology, viticulture, logistics, or a related field is considered an asset.
- Forklift certification and experience are assets but training may be provided.
- Confined Space Training is an asset but may be provided.
- WHMIS training is an asset but may be provided.
- Working knowledge of Ontario Health & Safety legislation.
- Computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Compensation
$20.00 – $23.00 per hour, based on experience.
What You Can Expect
- Competitive hourly wage.
- Exposure to all facets of winery operations.
- A collaborative team atmosphere that does what it takes to get the job done.
- Opportunities to develop skills across production, logistics, and harvest operations.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $20.00-$23.00 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Harrow, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person
