Cellar Hand / Winery Assistant

Phelps Creek Vineyards

Cellar Hand / Winery Assistant

Phelps Creek Vineyards is a small family-owned winery in the Columbia Gorge AVA. We farm and make wine from our 35-year-old estate vineyards in Hood River, OR as well as a vineyard we farm on Underwood Mountain across the river in WA. Our vineyards are LIVE-certified sustainable, 950-1,200 feet in elevation, steeply sloped, dry farmed, pruned to low yields, and surrounded by forestland.  We take inspiration from Burgundy and use native fermentation to craft our Pinot Noir. We produce about 5,000 cases a year, with a focus on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian whites. Over 100 of our wines (and all current releases) have scored 90 points from major reviewers.

We are hiring for a full-time/permanent Cellar Hand/Winery Assistant. Start date around June, but somewhat flexible for the right candidate. This position will report to the Winemaker, but will also take on projects under the direction of the Owners.

Responsibilities:

As a small winery, you will get to be involved in all elements of production, as well as other aspects of winery operations. Much of the work will be done together with the Winemaker, and training will be provided where needed.

· Cleaning – equipment, tanks, barrels, winery

· Operate winery equipment – pump, pressure washer, press, destemmer, bulldog, filter, bottling line, forklift, etc.

· Harvest – sample grapes, sort fruit, monitor fermentations, pumpovers, punchdowns, nutrient adds, pressing, barrel down, battonage, etc.

· Wine aging & bottling – pull samples, SO2 adds, top, rack, filter, barrel tasting and blending trials, bottle on our in-house bottling line, empty barrel maintenance, etc.

· Record keeping – brix/temp, adds, barrels, wine volumes, supply inventory, etc.

· Lab – if interested/able – brix, pH, TA, malic, SO2, alcohol, stability

· Assist with other winery projects as needed - case goods inventory and organization, order assembly and shipping, wine club events, etc.

Qualifications:

We recognize that everyone brings a unique combination of skills and experience, and we are open to candidates with a combination of direct winery experience, transferrable skills from other industries, and/or education. 

· Care about making high quality wine

· Prior winery or other food/beverage production experience

· Forklift operation experience a plus

· Attention to detail in actions and records

· Hard working, flexible, reliable, positive, willing to learn, and good as part of a team or solo

· Willing and able to work outdoors in hot/cold/wet weather, lift and move 50 pounds, climb ladders, get wet and/or dirty, and use all of your senses

· Willing and able to work extended hours and weekends during harvest

· Ability to speak/read/write English required; spoken Spanish a plus

· Ability to do basic math (arithmetic, unit conversions, etc.)

· Basic computer skills (more advanced computer skills a plus)

· Driver’s license; reliable transportation

· Other relevant knowledge or experience a plus - vineyard, farming, warehouse, wine sales, marketing, mechanical skills, logistics, winery compliance, etc. (tell us about it)

Compensation:

DOE. We offer paid holidays, PTO, and educational opportunities, employee wine discounts, lunch during harvest, and opportunities for career growth.

To apply:

Please email your cover letter and resume to lauren@phelpscreekvineyards.com, attn: Lauren O’Brien