Wine Cellar Assistant

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards is seeking an enthusiastic, detail oriented and energetic Full-Time Cellar Assistant to join our team in northern Arizona. ASV is a 20,000-case winery located in the heart of the Verde Valley, 90 miles north of Phoenix. Our 50 acre estate is located north of Willcox, AZ where we grow a wide range of grape varieties. In addition to our estate vineyard we source from several other vineyards throughout Arizona. We produce a wide range of wines for ASV as well as custom crush clients.

The Cellar Assistant (CA) position is broadly defined to encompass assisting in all of the day-to-day operations of the winery. With experience and on-the-job training, the CA should work toward obtaining a general understanding of winemaking processes; however, his/her primary focus should remain on the tasks at hand in any given moment.

This position starts immediately and is a full-time hourly position.

Reports to: Cellar Master (CM) Assistant Winemaker (AW) and Winemaker (WM)

Specific areas of Responsibility:

Crush

• Primary responsibility for the cleaning and sanitation of all winery equipment including tanks, bins, press, destemmer, pumps, hoses, fittings, etc.
• Assist with fruit receipt. Unloading and organizing of bins.
• Under direction, set up, load and operate the destemmer and load and operate the press.
• Transfer juice and must to the cellar.
• Make additions to juice, must, & wine.
• Under the direction of the WM, perform scheduled punch downs and pump overs.
• Clean and maintain all equipment post fruit processing in preparation for the next round.
• Ensure all lift trucks are properly charged or fueled at all times.

Post Crush and Mid Term Winemaking

• Maintain the cellar in a clean and organized manner at all times. No job should be deemed finished until all cleanup is complete and all equipment is put away.
• Clean and sanitize all tanks and equipment as requested. Ensure that all floor drains are clean at the end of each day’s wine/juice movements.
• Clean and/or steam barrels in preparation for filling.
• Carry out all wine movements (racking, barreling down, etc.) as directed.
• Carry out filtration as needed
• Assist with pulling samples for lab analysis.
• Prepare all necessary equipment for filtration runs including setting up the filters and pumps.
• Learn how to recognize spoilage and/or flaws in order to take an active role in quality control.
• Assist with barrel room operations such as racking and topping.
• Perform general maintenance on all cellar equipment.
• Drive company vehicles as required to perform assigned tasks.

Bottling

• Assist with any and all bottling preparations as directed.
• Work on the bottling line and assist with case goods movement and storage post bottling.

Other Duties

• Participate in weekly production meetings.
• Any other winery task assigned by the CM, AW or WM.
• Work with all staff to maintain the basic cleanliness of the non-work areas of the facility. Cleaning the restrooms and break room. Doing the dishes. Removing waste.
• Attend classes & seminars to increase understanding and knowledge of winemaking processes.
• Represent the Company periodically at a variety of on and offsite events.

Requirements:

• High School diploma or GED; or 6-12 months related experience or training.
• Current, valid Driver’s License, reliable transportation.
• Lift and/or move 50 pounds.
• Must be able to work long hours and varying shifts, including occasional night shifts.

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 – 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $20