2027 Vintage Harvest Team - Cellar Hands & Lab Technician

winejobsonline.com; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on winery experience

Harvest season experience

Supportive team

Job summary

Tiki Wine & Vineyards, a family-run winery in North Canterbury, seeks dedicated Cellar Hands and a Laboratory Technician for the 2027 Vintage Harvest. This fixed-term seasonal opportunity runs roughly March to May 2027, with dates varying by season.

As a Cellar Hand you’ll assist with grape reception, juice transfers, cellar operations and fermentation management. The Laboratory Technician will support fruit analysis, bench trials, data entry and ensure accurate results alongside the winemaking

Qualifications

• Eligible to work in New Zealand.
• Physically fit and capable of lifting loads.
• Willing to work long hours during harvest.

Responsibilities

• Assist with processing of varieties from receival to fermentation.
• Support cellar operations including juice transfers and barrel work.
• Monitor laboratory processes from fruit analysis to juice/fermentation; set up bench trials and input data.

Skills

Physical fitness

Teamwork

Forklift licence

Flexible shifts

Lifting ability

Job description

• Cellar Hands and a Laboratory Technician – Fixed Term (Vintage 2027)
• Waipara Winehouse, 780 Glasnevin Road, Waipara, North Canterbury

Are you reliable, hardworking, and ready to be part of one of the most exciting times of the year in the wine industry?

Tiki Wine & Vineyards is looking for enthusiastic Cellar Hands and a Laboratory Technician to join our family-run team for the 2027 Vintage Harvest. This is a fixed-term seasonal opportunity, generally running between March and May 2027, although exact dates may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.

Vintage is a fast-paced and rewarding time where teamwork, safety, and a positive attitude are essential. If you enjoy physical work, take pride in doing a job well, and want to be part of a supportive team producing premium wines, we'd love to hear from you.

As a Cellar Hand, you'll assist with the processing of a wide range of varieties including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot, Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from grape receival to juice transfers, juice additions, cellar operations and fermentation management including barrel work.

The Laboratory Technician will work alongside the Laboratory Manager and the winemaking team monitoring all laboratory processes from fruit analysis to juice and fermentation. A level of proficiency in setting up bench trials, data entry and accuracy of results is required. For the laboratory technician role specifically, laboratory experience and skills are essential.

In both cases, you'll work closely with our Winemaking team to ensure wine processing requirements are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

We're Seeking People Who

• Are eligible to work in New Zealand
• Are reliable and have a strong work ethic
• Are physically fit and capable of lifting and carrying loads
• Can work long hours when required during peak harvest periods
• Have a positive attitude and enjoy working as part of a team
• Are committed to maintaining a safe workplace
• Can follow instructions and procedures carefully
• Are willing to work flexible shifts, including weekends and night shifts if required
• Forklift driving skills/licence is a benefit but not essential
• Good team player, prepared to share experience and ideas

Why Join Us?

At Tiki Wine & Vineyards, we're proud to be a family-owned business where people matter. You'll be working alongside a passionate team in the heart of North Canterbury's renowned wine region.

We Offer

• A supportive and welcoming team environment
• Hands-on experience in a beautiful winery
• The opportunity to learn from experienced wine industry professionals
• A unique chance to be part of the 2027 harvest season