Assistant Winemaker

Azhadi Vineyards; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Wine discounts

Employee events

Career growth

Job summary

Azhadi Group is seeking an ambitious Assistant Winemaker to join our growing team and craft premium wines for two distinctive Okanagan wineries—Azhadi Vineyards and Ex Nihilo Vineyards.

Work closely with the Senior Winemaker across harvest through blending, maturation, and bottling in a hands-on role that blends science and artistry. This is a role for someone eager to develop technical skills and contribute to decision-making.

Qualifications

• Minimum five harvests in a commercial winery.
• Degree in Oenology, Viticulture, Food Science or related discipline preferred.
• Strong sensory evaluation and wine assessment skills.
• Experience operating cellar equipment and forklifts.
• Excellent organization and record-keeping abilities.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work extended hours during harvest when required.

Responsibilities

• Receiving, sorting, crushing and pressing premium fruit.
• Monitoring fermentations and performing wine, juice and must additions.
• Recording detailed winemaking data and maintaining production records.
• Assisting with blending trials and wine evaluation.
• Supporting harvest planning and execution.
• Barrel management including racking, topping, blending and transfers.
• Cellar organization and inventory.
• Cleaning and sanitizing winery equipment to the highest standards.
• Ensuring safe and efficient cellar operations.

Skills

Sensory evaluation

Wine assessment

Team collaboration

Education

Five harvests in a commercial winery

Degree in Oenology, Viticulture, Food Science or related discipline

Tools

Cellar equipment operation

Forklift operation

Job description

Every vintage tells a story. Help us write the next chapter.

Great wine doesn’t happen by accident. It takes exceptional fruit, thoughtful decisions, relentless attention to detail, and a team that cares deeply about every barrel, every tank, and every bottle.

Azhadi Group is seeking an ambitious Assistant Winemaker to join our growing winemaking team and play an integral role in crafting premium wines for two distinctive Okanagan wineries—Azhadi Vineyards and the award-winning Ex Nihilo Vineyards.

If you’re ready to move beyond simply working harvests and into a role where you’ll develop your technical skills, contribute to winemaking decisions, and grow alongside an experienced team, we’d love to meet you.

Who We Are

The Azhadi Group owns and operates a collection of premium wineries throughout the Okanagan Valley. While each winery has its own unique personality, they share a common philosophy: exceptional wines begin with exceptional people.

We believe in craftsmanship, curiosity, continuous improvement, and gratitude—for the land, for one another, and for every guest who shares our wines. We’re building more than wineries; we’re building careers, relationships, and a culture where talented people can thrive.

About the Role

Working closely with our Senior Winemaker, you’ll be involved in every stage of the winemaking journey—from harvest through blending, maturation, bottling, and beyond. This is a hands‑on position for someone who enjoys both the science and the artistry of winemaking.

No two days are exactly alike, but your responsibilities will include:

• Receiving, sorting, crushing and pressing premium fruit
• Monitoring fermentations and performing wine, juice and must additions
• Recording detailed winemaking data and maintaining production records
• Assisting with blending trials and wine evaluation
• Supporting harvest planning and execution
• Barrel management including racking, topping, blending and transfers
• Cellar organization and inventory
• Cleaning and sanitizing winery equipment to the highest standards
• Ensuring safe and efficient cellar operations

Equipment & Production

• Operating and maintaining winery equipment
• Troubleshooting equipment and production challenges
• Supporting bottling and packaging activities throughout the year

You’re someone who…

• Loves both the science and creativity behind great wine
• Notices the small details others miss
• Leads by example and enjoys working alongside a team
• Brings curiosity, humility and a desire to continually improve
• Thrives in a fast‑paced, hands‑on production environment
• Understands that making premium wine takes equal parts precision and passion

Qualifications

• Minimum five harvests in a commercial winery
• Degree in Oenology, Viticulture, Food Science or related discipline preferred
• Strong sensory evaluation and wine assessment skills
• Experience operating cellar equipment and forklifts
• Excellent organization and record‑keeping abilities
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work extended hours during harvest when required

Why Join Azhadi Group?

This is more than another cellar position.

You’ll have the opportunity to work with exceptional Okanagan fruit across two premium wineries, collaborate with an experienced winemaking team, and continue developing your technical and leadership skills in a growing organization that values innovation, craftsmanship, and people.

We offer:

• Extended health, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off
• Team celebrations and company events
• Employee wine and retail discounts
• A workplace where your ideas—and your career—can grow