Executive Chef, Far Niente Wine Estates

Founded in Oakville, California in 1885 and restored in 1979, Far Niente is consistently recognized as a benchmark producer of Napa Valley Chardonnay and Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

Join our Company which is rich in history and stature.

The Executive Chef will act as a representative of Far Niente Wine Estates, ensuring the highest standard of culinary execution.

You will be successful in this role while performing these essential responsibilities:

•  Oversees and directs the culinary operations for our three Estate locations. Working to develop and mentor a professional team focused on culinary excellence.
•  Works to develop innovative culinary pairings to our brands, striving for differentiation and quality.
•  Serve as an ambassador of the company, while setting the standard for our team in terms of professionalism, organization, and cleanliness
•  Develop seasonal menus that can be communicated to prospective and confirmed guests for future events well in advance.
•  Collaborates with our events team for culinary offerings for onsite private groups and events.
•  Oversee the development of culinary gardens at the Estates and provide direction with clear communication to our landscaping team that will support the garden operations.
•  Oversees an annual budget and adherence to financial goals.
•  Responsible to hire, train and supervise culinary support team members.
•  Create and develop relationships with vendors with an emphasis on supreme quality, while also prioritizing favorable costs for all goods purchased.
•  Coordinate and direct all food preparation, from prep through service.
•  Track, record, and maintain inventory stock including foods and kitchen supplies.
•  Work in alignment to the budget ensuring that costs are managed properly.
•  Ensure the proper working condition of all kitchen equipment & appliances.
•  Conduct daily walkthroughs ensuring cleanliness of all areas and working order for all equipment in back of house spaces.

Our organizational culture is built upon a strong foundation of shared commitments:

•  Takes ownership of job responsibilities through focus, determination, and attention to detail. Works to elevate the performance of their team.
•  Works as a member of a highly functioning team. Maintains professional and respectful dialogue with peers to collaboratively identify positive outcome. Communicates regularly and provides support and mentorship.
•  Displays trust in their actions, having the confidence to know that we are all working for the benefit of each other.
•  Creates an environment where their team is encouraged to bring forward ideas for improvement and ways to increase efficiency. Is personally open to new ideas, respectful debate, and positive change.
•  Strives to elevate their performance and that of their team. Is nimble to the changing needs and priorities of the organization.
•  Represents the organization professionally through effective communication and follow through. Serves as a role model for their peers and colleagues, values difference and strives for understanding.
•  Shows care and responsibility for the resources that have been provided to them and aids in our efforts for social responsibility and being environmentally conscious.
•  Demonstrates integrity, honesty, and fairness in their interactions, working towards achieving personal achievement rather than public attention.
•  Assists their team in achieving the best outcomes. Demonstrates pride and provides relevant expectations and accountability.

You will be qualified for this role if you met these requirements:

•  Previous experience of 5 years in a head chef or managerial kitchen position.
•  High School Diploma or equivalent.
•  Excellent customer service skills, enjoy working with people and possess a friendly, outgoing, and positive personality.
•  Vast knowledge in culinary arts, including any up-and-coming food trends. Proficient in Microsoft Office.
•  Ability to communicate effectively in the predominately used language.
•  Ability to lift to 50 lbs., Full body mobility
•  Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
•  Ability to ascend and descend stairs

More about our Story:

A dedication to winemaking in its highest form, paired with a focus on house style, vineyard ownership, social responsibility, and legendary hospitality, has established Far Niente Wine Estates as one of the world's great producers of luxury wines.

Over the years, we have proudly added exceptional wine brands to our family.

Established in 1989, Dolce is the only American brand dedicated to producing a single late harvest wine. Our second Oakville winery, Nickel & Nickel, focuses on 100-percent varietal, single-vineyard wines from some of Napa Valley’s finest vineyard appellations. In 2007, we launched EnRoute, which is committed to crafting focused, textured Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley.

Bella Union was founded in 2012, and the iconic estate opened in 2024. At Bella Union, we celebrate the beautiful union of mastery + artistry by showcasing different expressions of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, world-renowned for its consistently smooth and structured style. And finally, Post and Beam, which represents craftsmanship, tradition, legacy and purity in winemaking.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.