JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Winery Sous Chef
DEPARTMENT: Wine & Food / Events
REPORTS TO: Winery Chef
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
Born from our founder’s deep connection to the exploration of wines through his travels around the world, along with the undeniable draw of the inspirational spirit of Napa Valley, Sequoia Grove Winery is deeply rooted in community, place, and history. Our legacy and vision are built upon a community of passionate individuals who dedicate themselves to crafting wines that not only narrate the essence of the place but are also aimed at enriching the lives of those we share them with. Sequoia Grove Winery specializes in crafting an array of balanced and complex Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases the Napa Valley and the unique characteristics of the single vineyards our wines originate from. Each bottle is a testament to the land, the people, and the history it represents.
POSITION SUMMARY
Works with the Winery Chef, assisting in the execution of an exceptional culinary program for the winery that showcases our outstanding wines, while providing exceptional wine country experiences for guests. Responsible for assisting in the preparation of pairings for the Wine & Food Pairing Program(s), Private Estate Dinners, Luncheons and Special Events, developing / preparing menus, and recipes for pairing multi-course menus with hand-selected artisan wines that showcase our portfolio, to build and promote brand awareness, wine sales, and customer loyalty. In the absence of the Winery Chef, the Sous Chef is responsible for Wine & Food and Event operations.
This is a Full-Time, hourly position with a variable schedule based on need. Flexibility is key.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
•  Assists in preparing and executing Wine and Food experiences and takes lead responsibility for execution when the Winery Chef is unavailable.
•  Effectively interacts with staff in order to create a pleasant working environment and enjoyable guest experience.
•  Maintains a clean, organized, and safe culinary environment; ensures all sanitation procedures are being followed; ensures adherence to all health and safety regulations and procedures.
•  Ensures that hand tools or machines are skillfully used and that recipes, portion control, and plating standards are followed with great precision.
•  In conjunction with the management team, participates in supporting Winery policies and procedures.
•  Fully supports the Winery’s commitment to established safety practices and policies to safeguard employee safety, company property, and environmental considerations.
•  Responsible for compliance with the Winery’s sustainability policies and practices which are economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sound and support conservation, energy efficiency, and recycling.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following essential functions as well as have the flexibility and drive to tackle any opportunity or need that presents itself. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS
•  Excellent culinary skills, including thorough knowledge of all food preparation styles and techniques.
•  Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Must have a can-do mentality. Able to make presentations to groups and communicate and connect with guests in order to help elevate their experience.
•  Highly imaginative with the ability to visualize and help create exciting and innovative wine and food programs and experiences, which include a variety of menus and options.
•  Excellent understanding of the importance of exceptional guest experiences.
•  Working knowledge of accepted standards of sanitation and adherence to all safety and sanitation procedures.
•  Ability to remain calm under pressure and handle multiple and changing priorities in a professional and courteous manner.
•  Positive, professional appearance and demeanor to project a favorable image of the Winery at all times.
•  Must be at least 21 years of age.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Most job duties will be performed in the Visitors Center Kitchen area. Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperature, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. Some areas in the kitchen are cold, wet, slippery, noisy, and may involve exposure to moving equipment and parts.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, hear, taste, and smell. Must possess vision, hearing, and sufficient digital manipulation skills to utilize a computer keyboard, telephone, and other office equipment. The employee must be able to stand and work in a confined area and walk for long periods of time; carry and balance multiple trays, plates, and glasses; and lift and carry up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.

SEQUOIA GROVE WINERY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, COMMITTED TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT. (EOE M/V/F/D)