Cellar Master (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

Job Description:

Located 30 minutes north of Charlottesville, Virginia, Early Mountain crafts premium wines while supporting Virginia’s ascent as a world-class wine region. Founded in 2012 and owned by former AOL executives and tech pioneers Jean Case and her husband Steve, Early Mountain draws inspiration from centuries of global winegrowing heritage, while embracing evolution and innovation essential to Virginia competing beyond its own borders. We are a fun, talented and growing team dedicated to providing our customers and community with exceptional wines and service. We move at a very fast pace and rely on entrepreneurial initiative and creative drive to make things happen. We’re also committed to maintaining a family-oriented work environment and championing the overall Virginia wine and food community.

Early Mountain is seeking an experienced cellar master. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 3 years experience, working at a 5,000+ case winery and possess and well-rounded knowledge on all cellar procedures, from harvest-time through bottling.

Responsibilities
•  Coordinate general wine production activities and scheduling with Winemaker, from harvest-time through bottling.
•  Coordination and execution of daily workflow
•  General maintenance and repairs of equipment.
•  Adhere to sanitation protocols and standards.
•  Ensure production facility is well-maintained, including orchestration of equipment maintenance.
•  Adhere to and ensure execution of QC measures and protocols.
•  Support and orchestrate crush pad operations and logistics.
•  Assist purchasing of production supplies and materials.
•  Contribute to establishing and furthering production practices focused on sustainability.
•  Help train full-time and seasonal production staff on winemaking tasks, protocols, and standards.
•  Work with Winemaker to ensure compliance of all OSHA and FDA standards.
•  Prioritize focus on wine quality, working to always exceed current standards.
•  Display a positive and supportive spirit, helping to foster education and growth of the team.

Qualifications
•  Ability to plan and execute cellar workflow and long-term production goals.
•  Ability to perform physical labor, including lifting 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
•  Willingness to work long hours and up to 7 days a week at times.
•  A positive attitude, sense of humor and keen eye for detail.
•  Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
•  Possess excellent supervisory and time management skills.
•  Work collaboratively with a team, leading with positivity, and engaging staff.
•  Must be highly organized and possess skills prioritize and schedule cellar tasks.
•  Demonstrate strong communications skills and high attention to detail.
•  Display a proactive and positive attitude, a great work ethic, and an interest in improving winemaking skills.
•  Ability to operate a forklift.
•  Competency in Excel, Word, as well as general computer skills.

Other Requirements
•  Valid driver’s license with clean driving record and have reliable transportation.
•  Minimum of 3 years winery experience.
•  Degree in Enology & Viticulture or related field preferred.
•  Strong knowledge of year-long cellar procedures, preferably with a focus on small lot, high quality winemaking.

Benefits
•  401(k)
•  401(k) matching
•  Health, dental and vision insurance
•  Life insurance
•  Paid time off