Cellar Master

Job Description:

William Heritage Winery is a producer of premium estate grown wines. Recently rated 90 points from such publications at the Wine Advocate, Wine & Spirits Magazine and the International Wine Guide, William Heritage has been cementing itself as a benchmark producer in the region.

In addition to working with premium estate grown wines, the Cellar Team is responsible for producing traditional and new-age wine beverages under other brands (such as Jersey Wine Collection, Seashore Brand and others) from non-estate materials and ingredients. While the harvest season is solely focused on the Estate’s fruit, the remaining portion of the year shifts a portion of its focus to the above-mentioned products. This responsibility includes reproducing products from established formulas and developing new products to be launched under their respective brands.

As the Cellar Master at WIlliam Heritage Winery, you will be a key part of the Cellar Team, coordinating regularly with the Winemaker, Cellar Hands, Production Manager, Vineyard Manager, Marketing/Distribution Manager, and Owners. It is important that anyone filling Cellar Master positions have the ability to follow direction, possess a fastidious work ethic, a strong passion for wine, the ability to work independently and the willingness to work until the job is done.

Primary Responsibilities
In General, a Cellar Master oversees the storage, aging, and quality of wines or beverages. Responsibilities include managing inventory, maintaining equipment, supervising cellar staff, and assisting winemakers with blending and bottling.
- Daily Coordination with Winemaker on cellar tasks/goals and production schedule
- Distribution of tasks to other cellar staff
- Keep in close contact with other cellar staff to ensure they have what they need to execute their tasks
- Report cellar actions and/or concerns to Winemaker including; completed actions for data entry, performance concerns, and/or equipment malfunctions
- Ensure safety standards are being followed and that all cellar staff use required safety gear. Advise Production Manager or Winemaker of any safety hazards of concerns to be reviewed and corrected.
- Cellar cleaning & sanitation – maintain a clean/organized working environment to include; vessels, equipment, tools, and building/working surfaces
- Track and maintain inventory of basic winery supplies including fittings, gaskets, valves, hoses, sanitation chemicals, wine additives, etc.
- Coordinate equipment and building systems maintenance with Production Manager including pumps, harvest equipment, bottling line/equipment, glycol chiller, sparkling equipment, heating/cooling/humidity systems, etc.
- Performing cellar work independently including; blending, racking, additions, filtration (cartridge and crossflow), topping, etc.
- Setup and participating in bottling wines throughout the year

Harvest Responsibilities (in addition to the above)
- During harvest months – ability to work 6-7 days and 50+ hours (September – November)
- Harvest activities including - fruit sorting, processing, pump overs, pressing, ect.
- Communicate with Cellar Team to coordinate and execute logistics of grape processing
- Setup and supervise harvest production activities such as pump-overs, punch-downs, press operations, racking, inoculations, etc.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with maintaining an accurate monthly inventory of bulk wine, bottling supplies, and finished casegoods
- Assist with various types of lab analysis
- Maintain a working knowledge of winery equipment and be able to troubleshoot when necessary
- Load and unload trucks for shipping and receiving at the winery
- Perform data entry into winemaking software

Requirements, Qualifications, Goals & Skill Sets
- 2-3 years experience working in winery, brewery, or similar cellar
- Ability to communicate effectively in English (written and spoken)
- Ability to direct and manage cellar staff with constructive relationships and accountability
- Ability to operate with in a small team to complete high level tasks and responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner
- Ability to maintain a strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality standards at all times
- Ability to lift 50 lbs, climb ladders/stairs (up to 20 feet), and stand for extended periods of time
- Ability to operate a forklift safely and effectively
- Ability to work in difficult conditions such as: heat, cold, high places, and on ladders
- Ability to work around hazardous areas/materials with proper safety gear being used
- Enjoys hands-on, production labor
- BA/BS Degree in closely related field preferred
- Develop a thorough understanding of the entire winemaking process
- Willing and able to work long hours during harvest and bottling seasons
- Ability to communicate in Spanish is a bonus, not required

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