Cellar Hand

Seasonal Cellar Hand – Harvest Company: Pelee Island Winery & Vineyards Inc. Location: Kingsville, Ontario Employment Type: Full-Time, Seasonal Temporary Starting Wage: $19.00 per hour Reports To: Winemaker Position Summary Pelee Island Winery & Vineyards Inc. is seeking a hardworking, dependable, and detail-oriented Seasonal Cellar Hand to support our winemaking team during the harvest season. This hands-on position is involved in several stages of wine production, including receiving and processing grapes, fermentation support, wine transfers, barrel work, equipment operation, sanitation, and record-keeping. The successful candidate will have a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and the ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Previous winery or harvest experience is an asset; however, candidates who are motivated and willing to learn are encouraged to apply. Key Responsibilities Prepare the winery, cellar, equipment, and production areas for harvest. Receive, sort, crush, de-stem, and press grapes. Assist with processing fruit and monitoring juice and wine fermentations. Prepare and manage additions to juice and wine as directed by the Winemaker. Operate pumps, hoses, presses, de-stemmers, filters, and other winery equipment. Transfer, rack, inoculate, blend, and sample wine and juice. Perform punch-downs, pump-overs, and dig-outs during red-wine fermentation. Assist with filling, fermenting, racking, sampling, topping, and emptying barrels. Clean and sanitize tanks, hoses, pumps, tools, equipment, floors, and work areas. Collect samples, monitor fermentations, and maintain accurate production records. Follow standard operating procedures, food-safety requirements, and quality standards. Wear required personal protective equipment and follow all health and safety procedures. Immediately report hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents, or equipment concerns. Complete other duties assigned by the Winemaker or Manager. Qualifications Valid driver’s licence is required. Previous winery, cellar, or harvest experience is an asset. Enrolment in or completion of a winemaking, viticulture, or related program is an asset. Tractor-driving experience is an asset. Forklift certification is preferred. Ability to multitask and work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Strong communication, organizational, and record-keeping skills. Positive attitude and strong attention to detail. Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, and additional days during harvest. Commitment to following safe work practices and required PPE guidelines. Physical and Working Conditions This is a physically demanding position. Candidates must be able to: Regularly lift and move items weighing up to approximately 24 kilograms. Repeatedly lift boxes and equipment from floor to shelf level. Stand, walk, bend, climb, and perform repetitive physical tasks for extended periods. Safely climb ladders and work at varying heights where required. Work harvest shifts that may be approximately 10–12 hours. Work up to six or seven days per week during peak harvest periods. Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and temperature conditions. Work in noisy production areas while wearing the required hearing protection. Work in confined spaces after receiving the required training and authorization. Why Join Us? This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in wine production, learn from an experienced winemaking team, and contribute directly to the production of quality Ontario wines. Pelee Island Winery & Vineyards Inc. is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates participating in all stages of the selection process.

Support the winemaking team during harvest by processing grapes, monitoring fermentations, and operating winery equipment. Maintain cellar cleanliness and keep accurate production records while following safety and quality standards.

Requires a valid driver's licence and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 24kg. Previous winery experience or enrollment in a viticulture program is considered an asset.

• Forklift operationPreferred
• CommunicationPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Grape Processing
• Fermentation Monitoring
• Winery Equipment Operation
• Sanitation
• Record Keeping
• Barrel Work
• Pump Operation
• Safety Compliance
• Multitasking
• Communication
• Tractor Driving
• Forklift Operation

• Agriculture
• Food & Beverage
• Manufacturing
• Trades

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

0+ years

Apply by

Feb 10, 2027

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Entry level