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.
