Cellar Master at Orchestra

Sonoma, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 May, 26

Salary

82000.0

Posted On

14 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Supervision, Winemaking Processes, Fermentation Management, Cellar Operations, Bottling Systems, Equipment Troubleshooting, Preventative Maintenance, Team Leadership, Delegation, Production Planning, Communication, Cross-functional Collaboration, Regulatory Compliance, Quality Control, Safety Management

Industry

Beverage Manufacturing

Description

JOB TITLE: Cellar Master DEPARTMENT: Winemaking DIRECTLY REPORTS TO: Winemaker CLASSIFICATION: Exempt JOB SUMMARY: The Cellar Master plays a senior leadership role overseeing all cellar operations, including tank, barrel, and bottling functions, to ensure the production of premium wines with uncompromising quality, efficiency, and safety. This position provides daily direction to cellar and bottling staff, supports harvest execution, leads bottling line operations, and partners closely with the Winemaker on production planning, quality control, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Cellar Master is responsible for maintaining operational excellence, equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and team performance in a fast-paced, production-driven environment. This role requires independent judgment, advanced technical expertise, and supervisory responsibility. Key Responsibilities: 1. Management & Supervision * Lead and supervise cellar teams across tank, barrel, and bottling operations. * Foster a culture of accountability, safety, professionalism, and continuous improvement. * Develop and assign daily and weekly work orders aligned with production schedules. * Provide hands-on training, coaching, and performance feedback. * Participate in performance evaluations, hiring input, corrective action, and discipline in partnership with the Winemaker and HR. * Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety policies, and quality standards. 2. Tank & Barrel Room Operations * Oversee tank room activities including fermentation management, pump-overs, filtration, blending prep, and bottling tank readiness. * Manage barrel room operations including racking, topping, barrel prep, sanitation, heating/cooling systems, and inventory control. * Coordinate crush logistics during harvest, including fruit receival and press operations. * Supervise operation and care of key equipment including presses (Willmes, Diemme), Pellenc equipment, optical sorters, pumps, and related cellar infrastructure. * Coordinate barrel receival, storage, maintenance, and shipping across production sites. * Maintain accurate wine tracking, inventory records, and production documentation. 3. Bottling Operations (Lead Role During Bottling Runs) * Act as lead operator on the bottling line, ensuring proper setup, sanitation, operation, and breakdown. * Monitor bottling line performance and adjust equipment as needed to minimize downtime and maintain quality standards. * Coordinate with the production team to ensure materials (glass, corks, labels, cartons) are staged and prepared. * Position and direct bottling line staff for efficiency and safety. * Train and guide temporary bottling crew members on operational best practices and safety protocols. * Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food-safety standards in bottling areas. * Assist with bottling work orders, quality control checks, and recordkeeping. * Identify mechanical or quality issues and coordinate promptly with maintenance and leadership. 4. Process Management & Quality Control * Monitor fermentation, blending, and stabilization processes to ensure wine quality and compliance with production standards. * Partner with the Winemaker to troubleshoot quality or operational issues. * Participate in planning meetings and quality management initiatives. * Ensure compliance with TTB, OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and applicable food safety standards. * Maintain accurate documentation of additives, treatments, and production records. 5. Equipment Maintenance & Logistics * Lead preventative maintenance programs for pumps, hoses, glycol systems, compressors, boilers, presses, and bottling equipment. * Ensure cellar spaces remain organized, safe, and audit-ready. * Oversee shipping and receiving of production materials. * Coordinate maintenance priorities to minimize operational downtime. 6. Health & Safety Compliance * Enforce compliance with Cal/OSHA safety regulations and company safety programs. * Promote safe equipment handling, confined space awareness, chemical safety, and sanitation practices. * Immediately address unsafe conditions and escalate concerns appropriately. * Participate in safety meetings and incident investigations as needed. Authorities: * Stop the bottling line when product does not meet quality standards or poses a safety concern. * Direct bottling line staff, reposition team members, and coordinate with maintenance and bottling assistants. * Plan and schedule labor needs for upcoming bottling runs in accordance with the production schedule. * Report unsafe conditions, performance concerns, or quality risks to the Winemaker. * Recommend hiring, disciplinary action, promotions, or terminations in partnership with leadership and HR. Qualifications: * Minimum 5+ years of progressive experience in wine production. * At least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role preferred. * Advanced knowledge of winemaking processes, fermentation management, cellar operations, and bottling systems. * Working knowledge of equipment troubleshooting and preventative maintenance programs. * Proven ability to lead teams, delegate effectively, and hold employees accountable. * Strong organizational and production planning skills. * Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with production, hospitality, vineyard, and leadership teams. * English proficiency required (reading, writing, speaking). * Spanish proficiency strongly preferred. * Work Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work flexible hours, particularly during harvest (August through November). Physical Requirements * Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds regularly. * Ability to stand, bend, climb ladders, and work on feet for extended periods. * Ability to work in wet, cold, hot, noisy, and outdoor conditions. * Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Work Environment & Schedule * Regular travel between production sites required. * Extended hours required during harvest (approximately August–November), including evenings and weekends. * Work schedule flexibility required to meet production demands. Employment Status Employment with the Company is at-will. This means that either the employee or the Company may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, subject to applicable law. Nothing in this job description alters the at-will nature of employment.

Responsibilities

The Cellar Master leads all cellar operations, including tank, barrel, and bottling functions, ensuring the production of premium wines with high quality, efficiency, and safety standards. This involves daily direction of staff, supporting harvest execution, leading bottling line operations, and partnering with the Winemaker on planning and quality control.