Seasonal Cellar Hand – Harvest 2025

Rancho Guejito Vineyard, Escondido, CA
Duration: Seasonal (mid-July – November 2025)
Reports To: Winemaker

About Us:
Rancho Guejito Vineyard is a small winery in San Diego County specializing in Rhône varieties and small-lot fermentations. We pride ourselves on making expressive, site-driven wines with a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and teamwork. We are seeking enthusiastic, hard-working seasonal cellar hands to join our harvest crew for the 2025 vintage.

Position Summary:
As a Seasonal Cellar Hand, you’ll play a hands-on role in all aspects of harvest operations, from grape intake to fermentation management and cellar sanitation. This is a physically demanding and fast-paced position requiring attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic.

Key Responsibilities:

Perform grape processing tasks including sorting, destemming, and loading fruit into fermenters

Conduct fermentation cap management (e.g., punch downs, pump overs)

Sanitize and clean tanks, grape bins, hoses, equipment, and work areas

Assist in draining and pressing fermentations and barrel filling

Monitor fermentations (e.g., Brix, temperature checks)

Move and stack barrels, grape bins, and other materials

Follow winery protocols to maintain quality and safety

Qualifications:

Prior harvest or winery experience is a plus but not required

Must be able to lift 50 lbs and work on your feet for long hours

Comfortable working in wet or cold environments

Willingness to work early mornings, late nights, some Saturdays, and holidays as needed

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions

Positive attitude and ability to work well in a team

Compensation: $25/hr