Cellar Lead (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Echo Ridge Cellars

  Echo, Oregon

Job Description: Echo Ridge Cellars is a small, top-tier Eastern Oregon winery. Our mission statement is to make wines that compete with the very best that the world has to offer. We focus on optimal grape selection, innovative winemaking techniques suited to each specific lot, and a premium barrel-aging program. Echo Ridge Cellars has an unwavering commitment to quality. 

Summary: The Cellar Lead is responsible for the planning and execution of all cellar, crush, and bottling preparation activities. This is a “hands on” position. Aside from harvest when a few interns are available to help, you will be working on your own to complete all cellar tasks. At all times the Cellar Master will demonstrate a professional demeanor and act as a positive role model.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•  Works closely with the Winemaker to ensure highest possible wine quality 
•  Performs all cellar functions including but not limited to sanitation, barrel preparation, basic lab analyses, harvest functions, barrel maintenance, forklift operations, and filtrations to ensure quality and efficiency
•  Under the direction of the Winemaker, improves upon cellar protocols and standard operating procedures as needed
•  Makes decisions on a daily basis using good judgment and within scope of Cellar Lead assigned responsibilities, asks for Winemaker’s input and oversight when appropriate
•  Oversees crush pad operations
•  Operates forklift and crush equipment
•  Keeps up to date appropriate documentation on cellar activities upon completion
•  Orders and maintains all cellar supplies
•  Proactively maintains all winery equipment in good working condition
•  Plans staffing needs for harvest and assists with the hiring process as needed
•  Trains, supervises, motivates, and develops seasonal crew workers and ensures that they follow safety guidelines and procedures
•  Monitors performance of facility and seasonal crew members and communicates with management
•  Maintains an organized and sanitized cellar at all times
•  Performs regular physical inventories
•  Orders all cellar gases and coordinates cylinder/bin returns, approves subsequent invoices
•  Promotes and adheres to safety program (including but not limited to HazMat, confined space procedures, crush equipment and forklift operations)
•  Maintains all records related to Hazardous Materials Management Program to ensure regulatory compliance and updates SDS sheets as required
•  Ensures that all cellar employees are supplied with appropriate personal protective gear

Qualification Requirements:
•  Minimum five years winery production experience in a cellar leadership role
•  Ability to lift 50 lbs
•  Strong analytical skills and nearly obsessive attention to detail
•  Exceptional organizational skills
•  Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•  College degree preferred
•  Good computer skills, Microsoft Office applications
•  Proactive, honest, trustworthy, and independent
•  Team player with a positive attitude
•  Ability to learn quickly and adapt to change in a dynamic environment
•  Forklift certification required
•  Must have valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.