Executive Chef

Jachter Family Wines
Chehalem Mountains AVA | Willamette Valley, Oregon

Position Overview

At Jachter Family Wines, hospitality is an extension of the land—thoughtful, refined, and rooted in a deep sense of place. We are seeking an Executive Chef to build and lead a culinary program that reflects our philosophy of rustic elegance and thoughtful craftsmanship.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a food program from the ground up at a small-production, ultra-premium estate—where each dish is designed in dialogue with our wines, and every guest experience is both elevated and personal.

The Executive Chef will oversee all aspects of culinary operations, from menu development and sourcing to execution and team leadership, ensuring each guest experience is both elevated and deeply personal.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Vision & Menu Development
•  Develop and execute a seasonal, wine-driven menu grounded in precision and restraint.
•  Create thoughtful pairings for tastings, member experiences, and special events.
•  Develop elevated yet approachable offerings that reflect the Willamette Valley’s agricultural richness.
•  Continuously evolve menus to reflect seasonality, estate ingredients, and creative inspiration.


Guest Experience & Hospitality
•  Collaborate with the hospitality team to deliver a seamless, high-touch guest experience.
•  Ensure impeccable food presentation, pacing, and service standards align with a luxury tasting environment.
•  Engage with guests when appropriate, sharing culinary philosophy and enhancing connection.


Kitchen Operations & Leadership
•  Lead, mentor, and inspire the kitchen team, fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and growth.
•  Oversee daily kitchen operations including prep, service, cleanliness, and organization.
•  Maintain compliance with Oregon health and safety standards.
•  Establish and manage kitchen SOPs, workflows, and training programs.


Sourcing & Inventory Management
•  Build relationships with local organic farmers, purveyors, and artisans to source the highest quality ingredients.
•  Manage food inventory, ordering, and cost controls with a focus on minimizing waste.
•  Ensure proper product rotation, labeling, and food safety standards.


Financial & Strategic Oversight
•  Develop and manage food program budgets, including COGS, labor, and pricing strategy.
•  Analyze performance metrics and adjust offerings to optimize profitability and guest satisfaction.
•  Collaborate with leadership on long-term culinary strategy and brand alignment.


Events & Programming
•  Lead culinary execution for winery events, private events, and member activations.
•  Create bespoke menus for intimate gatherings, seasonal workshops, and large-format events.
•  Partner with marketing to develop compelling food and wine storytelling moments.


Qualifications
•  2+ years of experience in a culinary role, preferably in a fine dining or luxury hospitality environment.
•  Strong foundation in seasonal, farm-driven cuisine with a refined aesthetic.
•  Experience in wine-focused environments or a deep appreciation for wine pairing.
•  Proven leadership skills with the ability to build and manage high-performing teams.
•  Strong organizational and financial acumen.
•  Calm, composed leadership style with attention to detail is a must.
•  Passion for hospitality, storytelling, and creating meaningful guest experiences.


Preferred Attributes
•  A culinary point of view that balances restraint, elegance, and creativity.
•  Deep respect for ingredients, seasonality, and sense of place.
•  Alignment with Jachter’s values of family, craftsmanship, and connection.


Compensation & Benefits
•  Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
•  Performance-based incentives.
•  Wine allocation and employee pricing.
•  Opportunities for growth within a values-driven, family-owned estate.


About Jachter Family Wines
Jachter Family Wines is a boutique family-owned estate in Oregon’s Chehalem Mountains AVA, dedicated to crafting small-lot, world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sparkling, Nebbiolo, and Pinot Meunier. Our organically farmed vineyard reflects a commitment to regenerative practices and a belief that great wines begin in the soil.
Our approach is guided by a desire to create experiences that feel both elevated and deeply personal—where wine, food, and hospitality come together with intention and care.


How to Apply
Please submit your resume along with a brief statement of your culinary philosophy and how you see it aligning with Jachter Family Wines.