Hirsch Vineyards is seeking a fulltime Cellar Specialist to join our team. Hirsch is a family-owned, biodynamic estate winery on the West Sonoma Coast. Our focus is on producing world-class, site-specific Pinot Noirs from our mountain vineyard. Our winery is on the estate, right next to where the grapes are grown.

Our production team is small and hands-on, giving you the opportunity to gain well-rounded experience across the entire winemaking cycle, from vineyard to bottle. There’s a strong mentorship opportunity in this role, as the Cellar Specialist works alongside our Winemaker and Cellarmaster. Additionally, this role includes some management of seasonal workers, allowing you to gain leadership experience.

Personal integrity, professionalism, and high attention to detail are essential for success in this role. Over time, the Cellar Specialist will take autonomy over key cellar operations, making this an ideal position for someone who is responsible, self-motivated, and eager to grow.

Hirsch Winery is in a remote location. Before applying, please carefully consider your ability to commute daily to our location (45075 Bohan Dillon Rd, Cazadero, CA). Housing is provided free of charge during harvest and bottling.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

•  Execute cellar tasks including topping, additions, racking, filtration, bottling, cleaning, barrel maintenance, and related activities
•  Participate in and help facilitate tastings and blending sessions.
•  Regular barrel sampling and analyses.
•  Perform barrel movements using forklift/electric pallet jack
•  Maintain accurate, timely and complete records in VinTrace and Excel.
•  Oversee bottling QA program and support all aspects of bottling; eventually gain mastery of bottling line and all bottling protocols
•  Create, maintain, and implement cellar SOPs, including sanitation protocols.
•  Perform basic lab work such as FSO, pH, TA, Brix, etc.
Perform harvest tasks such as cap management, grape sampling, grape processing, Weighmaster duties, fermentation monitoring, additions, barrel prep, barrel downs, etc.
•  Participate in the hiring, training, supervision and mentoring of harvest interns and seasonal workers members.
•  Conduct vineyard sampling and data collection, including vine censuses, cluster counts, crop estimation, and grape sampling.
•  Maintain supply inventories; order supplies; pick up and/or facilitate deliveries as needed.
•  Prepare, deliver and track samples sent to external labs.
•  Assist with facilities and equipment repairs and maintenance, including of lab equipment.


REQUIREMENTS
•  Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
•  Minimum 3 years of winery production or vineyard experience
•  Enology experience preferred but not required.
•  Excellent English verbal and written communication skills.
•  Mathematical skills to be able to comprehend and analyze excel spreadsheets, chemical addition computations, and laboratory analyses.
•  Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and winery record-keeping software, such as VinTrace.
•  Valid California Driver’s license with clean DMV record.
•  Experience operating a forklift in a winery setting
•  Strong attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to work independently
•  Non harvest hours are Monday through Thursday onsite, with Fridays usually a partial day working offsite / from home. Extended days and hours onsite are required during bottling and the harvest season, occasionally including holidays and weekends.
•  Demonstrated ability to lift 50lbs repeatedly; to work extended hours; to work outside in wet, hot, and cold conditions; to work on your feet for extended hours, and ability to sit, stand, squat, and climb ladders.
•  Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Proof of employment eligibility (I-9 documentation) is required upon hire.


Hirsch Vineyards offers competitive compensation, medical coverage, paid holidays, PTO, and a wine benefit.

HOW TO APPLY
Please submit the following. No phone calls please. We will review applications and reach out within two weeks if we wish to schedule an interview.

1. Cover letter including:
•  Tell us about yourself and your past and present wine industry experience.
•  Let us know what you believe you can contribute to our team and what you hope to get out of a position at Hirsch.
•  The date you are available to start work.
•  Expected length of your daily commute from home to Hirsch

2. Resume