Cellar Tech III/ Cellar Lead

Role Summary:

The Cellar Lead is responsible for overseeing daily cellar operations at a small, quality-focused micro-winery. This hands-on leadership role ensures that all winemaking processes—from grape intake through bottling—are executed efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards. The ideal candidate brings strong technical cellar skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead a small team in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Current duties may be changed if the job requires and/or additional duties may be assigned as needed.

Cellar Operations & Winemaking Support

• Lead and participate in all cellar activities including crush, fermentation management, racking, pumping, filtration, clarifying, blending, and bottling
• Execute wine movements between tanks and barrels, including setup of hoses, pumps, and pipeline systems
• Perform barrel work including washing, steaming, stacking, topping, and maintenance
• Monitor fermentations (Brix, temperature, and sensory evaluation) and maintain accurate records and data entry
• Perform or oversee lab sampling and analysis to support winemaking decisions
• Execute work orders and protocols as directed by the Winemaker
• Maintain wine quality through rigorous sanitation, organization, and attention to detail

Team Leadership

• Supervise, train, and mentor cellar staff, interns, and seasonal harvest workers
• Assign daily tasks and ensure work is completed efficiently, safely, and to quality standards
• Enforce company safety practices and standard operating procedures
• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment
• Lead by example through strong work ethic, communication, and initiative

Equipment & Facility Management

• Operate, clean, and maintain all cellar and harvest equipment including presses, crushers, pumps, filters, forklifts, and hoses
• Maintain working knowledge of all cellar systems and equipment functionality
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate repairs when needed
• Read gauges, perform basic calculations, and ensure accuracy in all cellar operations
• Ensure the cellar, barrel room, and production areas are clean, organized, and compliant with safety standards

Inventory & Compliance

• Track wine movements, additions, and inventory using cellar management systems
• Maintain accurate documentation of all cellar activities and regulatory compliance records
• Manage barrel inventory, topping schedules, and supply levels
• Support adherence to all winery safety, regulatory, and operational compliance standards

Harvest Responsibilities

• Play a key leadership role during harvest, including extended hours, weekend work, and shift flexibility
• Coordinate fruit intake, processing logistics, and fermentation workflow
• Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of all harvest operations

Education, Experience, & Skills Required

• 5+ years of hands-on winery cellar experience, preferably in a small-lot or premium production environment
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of winemaking principles and cellar operations
• Experience with filtration, barrel work, and wine transfers required
• Forklift experience required; valid driver’s license preferred
• Familiarity with cellar management, inventory, and compliance systems
• Ability to read gauges and perform calculations related to cellar operations
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Effective communication and leadership skills; bilingual English/Spanish a plus
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated reliability, strong work ethic, and commitment to quality

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Physically demanding role involving standing, walking, bending, stooping, and twisting
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50–60 lbs regularly
• Work includes climbing ladders and working at heights up to 40–50 feet
• Ability to work in confined spaces, including tank entry, in accordance with safety procedures
• Work performed in both indoor and outdoor production environments with varying temperatures
• Extended hours, weekends, and overtime required, especially during harvest season

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Must be able to read, write, and follow written and verbal instructions in English
• Must be able to comply with all safety training and company policies

#LI-ONSITE

At Riboli Family Wines, we are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and we are committed to an environment of mutual respect, diversity, and inclusion. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristic protected by law.

The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.