Stone Tower Winery is focused on crafting premium, world-class wines that exude a sense of place while working to support our community and Virginia’s growth as a premium wine growing region. We are 35 miles west of Washington, D.C., situated on 500 acres, of which 95 are planted to Vinifera varietals that include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rhone Whites, Bordeaux reds, and Nebbiolo. We operate out of two onsite, state-of-the-art facilities that are designed specifically for the styles of wine we craft.

We are seeking a cellar hand to fill out our team that has a passion for wine and enjoys working with their hands. From harvest to bottling, this position will have a hand in every step of the process.

Cellar Hand Job Description

As a cellar hand, you’ll have a critical role in the operation, maintenance and flow of the cellar alongside the cellar master and winemaking team. From forklift operations, pump management, and good ol’ tank sanitation, this role is a boots on the ground team member.

Equipment & Supply Maintenance

-Tank, barrel, hose, and equipment inspection and sanitation as needed on a weekly basis and continuous maintenance.
-Maintain empty barrel inventory in ready-to-fill state with hydration and gassing regime to be completed each month.
-Ensure that workspaces are clean and properly maintained on a daily basis, and that cellar hygiene as regards floors, drains, and tank surfaces is strictly adhered to.
-Maintain Forklift certification for yourself through in-house certification.

Winemaking

-Performing chemical (sulfur, acid, fining agents) additions to barrels and tanks.
-Setting up and executing all wine movements to completion including: gallonage measurements of tanks, sanitation of hoses, pumps and fittings, and the return of all to their storage areas free of wine residue.
-Assist winemakers in blending of finished wines and filtration thereof prior to bottling
-Follow verbal and written instructions as indicated on work orders or as directed by winemaking staff and complete work orders prior to return.
-Participate with winemaking staff in identifying any technologies or methods of producing and cellaring wine that increase efficiency.

General Duties/Responsibilities

-Take a leadership role in training and supervising seasonal, temporary and/or part-time employees.
-In conjunction with winemaking staff, develop olfactory and tasting skills necessary to evaluate the health of juices and wines in process.
-Promote a work environment that exudes positivity, teamwork, and gratefulness for all by providing staff with positive feedback, mentorship, and leadership.
-Ensure that correct security measures are in place for all facilities, company assets, customer information, and company information.
-Develop and maintain relationships with all departments by engaging with colleagues with respect and teamwork.
-Exude Stone Tower’s Core Values: Beat everyone’s expectations; true excellence is achieved by continually raising the bar; true success only comes with integrity, satisfied -customers sign our checks, team of “Top of Class” performers.
-Handles special projects as assigned by supervisor or owners.
-Adhere to all company policies within the Employee Handbook.

Qualifications

-Prior winery or production experience a plus, but not required – we’re happy to train the right person
-Ability to lift 50 lbs and work on your feet for extended periods
-Comfortable working in variable conditions (wet floors, temperature swings, loud equipment)
-Forklift certification or experience, or able & willing to learn
-Team-oriented with a good attitude and strong work ethic

Bonus Points If You Have

-Mechanical aptitude or familiarity with winemaking equipment
-A genuine interest in wine and the winemaking process
-Solid playlists


Interested candidates should include their resume, references and a cover letter.