Vintage Cellar Hand

About the job

#BeExtraordinary

At Andrew Peller Limited (APL), our mission is to be Canada’s #1 branded wine and

craft beverage company by delivering the perfect brand experience for every

lifestyle and occasion. Through our commitment to excellence, honouring our

roots, owning it, fostering belonging and driving to succeed, we inspire teammates to be extraordinary every day.

Who We Are

We are one of Canada's largest and oldest wine companies with a rich heritage in quality winemaking.

We produce some of Canada's most recognized brands and offer our teammates a challenging and rewarding employment experience.

We are currently seeking Vintage Cellar Hands to help us through the exciting and fast-paced 2025 harvest season. As part of our 2025 harvest team, you'll have the opportunity to work at our wine production facility in Grimsby, processing approximately 17000 tonnes of grapes. This seasonal role (August 2025 - November 2025) offers valuable experience in the wine production industry, and no previous experience is required; we provide robust training to set you up for success.

These roles are based out of our Grimsby, Ontario Winery.

Position Overview

As a Vintage Cellar Hand, you will be part of our dynamic harvest team in Grimsby, ON. This is a seasonal role that requires full availability for 7 days a week, working 12 hours per day (rotating continental Day and Night shifts). The harvest season runs from late August to mid-November, with actual dates to be confirmed closer to the start of the season. During this time, you will assist in various tasks across the Crush Pad and Cellars.

The Role

• Operate equipment to crush, ferment, and clarify grapes, juice, and wine under the guidance of the Cellar Lead Hand.
• Crush Pad: Dump grape bins, operate pumps, fermenters, and crusher/destemmer.
• Cellars: Operate centrifuges, pumps, transfer lines, flotation units, and yeast rehydrator.
• Take temperatures and samples for laboratory analysis.
• Inoculate fermentations and add oak bags to tanks.
• Add materials to juice or wine as directed by the Cellar team.
• Perform cleaning and sanitization of processing equipment.
• Promote and follow a Health & Safety culture, working in compliance with EH&S regulations.
• Consistently follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure wine quality.
  
  

The Opportunity

• $21-$22 per hour (experience dependent)
• Employee gift card each month for use at our restaurants and retail stores.
• Work alongside experienced winemakers and learn from the best.
• Training on cellar equipment and technical aspects of harvest work.
• Comprehensive Health and Safety training and certification.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program.
• Enjoy access to Development Seminars and a Learning Library with over 30,000 courses.
• A fun, engaging, and supportive work environment!
  
  

Requirements

• Relevant experience in a wine production or manufacturing environment is considered an asset.
• Previous harvest experience is an asset but not necessary. We welcome enthusiastic candidates looking to experience their first harvest!
• Mechanical aptitude and confidence in using machinery.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks efficiently.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work safely with co-workers.
• Ability to regularly lift 22 kg (48 lbs) and perform physical tasks such as standing, climbing, bending, and walking.
• Attention to detail is critical.
• Ability to work 12 hour shifts, rotating between day and night shifts for the duration of harvest.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada. International applicants should look into the requirements for working in Canada and begin the Visa application process on their own accord, as soon as possible.