River Stone is looking for just the right person for a unique opportunity

Vineyard and Winery Apprentice

We are a 4300 case, hands on, family owned winery that is growing with a recent acquisition of new land. Our owner is our winemaker, vineyard manager and general manager. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work very closely with Ted and will learn all aspects of our operation. You will work hard but will have the opportunity to learn what it takes from testing the soils, tending the vines, ripening the grapes, coordination of picking, winemaking, bottling, tasting room sales, supervising others and customer service. We don’t expect you to know how to do all of this or even any of it, but you must be aware of the scope of the position and be willing and enthusiastic to do it all.

This is an opportunity to learn and to push yourself. You will be an integral member of a small team whose goal is to produce high quality wine and to make people happy when they think of you and enjoy your product.

Are you detail oriented, energetic, enthusiastic, conscientious, physically and mentally strong? Are you a self starter who is team oriented, bright, a quick learner and has an interest and aptitude in the wine industry? If so, you may be the one we are looking for. This is a rare opportunity which could lead to a long-term relationship with our brand or be the jumping off point for managing larger operations.

The successful individual will have an interest and aptitude for viticulture/wine/customer service. As mentioned, we are a small but growing winery and we require someone with a flexible skill set. Duties will include (with training and supervision), canopy management, tractor work and harvest planning. You will interact with industry partners, co-workers and consumers, imparting the knowledge and passion for the work we do and the products we create. You will be part of the wine making team in the fall, working long, but rewarding hours to craft that next great vintage.

This is a fulltime, year-round, salaried position. Hours will vary depending on the season but will average out to 40 hours a week. Two weeks paid vacation  Starting salary approximately $40000, but ultimate wage will be commensurate with experience and will take into account what the candidate can add to our business. Benefits available.  We are a non-smoking property.

Requirements

A positive attitude and an open mind
An interest in people, growing things and all things wine
Mechanical aptitude
High school diploma (post secondary education in viticulture or a trade preferred)
Physically able to lift 50 lbs repeatedly
A rural or farming background would be considered an asset but not required.
Record keeping ability
Computer aptitude an asset

Please respond to this invitation with a brief resume and, more importantly, a cover letter explaining why you are the best candidate for the position. Forward to riverstone@eastlink.ca. Closing date is March 25th after which time we will be responding to applicants.