Hamel of Sonoma Valley is seeking an experienced and motivated professional for the position of Sous Chef. Hamel is a premium, limited-production winery primarily focused on producing high-quality, terroir driven Cabernet Sauvignon and blends from estate vineyards in Sonoma Valley and the Moon Mountain District. Hamel has curated an unparalleled hospitality program that devotes the same level of meticulous attention that is given to the vineyards and winery and serves as the backbone of Hamel's direct-to-consumer hospitality program.

The Sous Chef would be the second in command in our kitchen, following our Chef’s specifications and guidelines. The successful candidate will employ its culinary and managerial skills to play a critical role in maintaining and enhancing our customers’ satisfaction.

*Please note that this role will require a paid stage/ working interview at the winery. The pay rate for the working interview will the current California minimum wage. The pay rate for the position is found at the bottom.

Sous Chef Roles and Responsibilities
•  Assist in the preparation and design of all food menus
•  Produce high quality and consistent food
•  Ensure that the kitchen operates in a timely way that meets our standards
•  Fill in for the Chef in planning and directing food preparation when necessary
•  Resourcefully solve any issues that arise and quickly adapt to any unexpected situation or issue
•  Maintain mise en place pars and rotate product appropriately
•  Monitor and record inventory, and if necessary, order new supplies.
•  Comply with and enforce sanitation regulations and safety standards
•  Work with the chef to produce high quality staff lunches 7 days a week
•  Maintain a positive and professional approach with coworkers and customers
•  Perform some front of house actions such as running food to tables
•  Describing dishes to guests
•  Manage the kitchen in chef's absence.

Sous Chef Required Qualifications
•  3+ years of experience in a similar role
•  Understanding of various cooking methods, techniques, ingredients, equipment and procedures
•  Impeccable time management skills
•  Ability to interact candidly with guests and describe food when necessary
•  Excellent record of kitchen and staff management
•  Accuracy and speed in handling emergency situations and providing solutions
•  Ability to work extended hours for evening events after regular service during the day
•  Ability to lift 50 pounds
•  Able to multi-task and execute staff lunch and guest experience food at the same time
•  Food Handler’s Certificate
•  Familiar with industry’s best practices
•  A degree in culinary arts or related certificate would be a plus
•  Teamwork-oriented with outstanding leadership abilities.
•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

The Sous Chef position at Hamel is an excellent opportunity for the candidate who is a results-driven team player, has a positive attitude, and is a creative problem solver. In addition to the compensation package, Hamel seeks to foster a positive workplace environment and provides all staff with a generous benefit program that includes two weeks paid vacation and a one-week holiday in December. Hamel also provides health, vision, and dental insurance for all employees and their dependents. Additional benefits include a 401K plan with company match, two cases of wine per year, and lunch and snacks provided daily.


Pay rate:
$27-30/ hour, depending on experience.