Seasonal Harvest Cellar Hand 2026

Join a small, family run winemaking team dedicated to producing vineyard-designate wines from some of the finest organically farmed vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Barbara County. This is a rare opportunity to work directly alongside the owner/winemaker throughout the harvest season and gain hands-on experience in every aspect of premium wine production. Our philosophy centers on cool climate, intentional farming, native fermentations, and minimal intervention in the cellar to express vineyard character and sense of place. Our wines tend me to alive, fresh and linear.

We produce approximately 2,500 cases annually, focusing on small-lot Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache and our largest production is a full skin contact orange wine, Vermentino and Gruner Veltliner. This will be my 25th harvest at the age of 42, with a lot to teach and more to learn. We will work hard, but be rewarded with nice meals and fine wines.

Additionally, I help manage a 25 acre biodynamic vineyard in the Sta Rita Hills. This vineyard aspect will co-exist with duties of the winery to some extent.

As a Seasonal Cellar Hand, you will be an integral part of our harvest team, assisting with all aspects of grape processing, fermentation management, cellar operations, and winery sanitation (key to making clean wines). This position offers exceptional exposure to boutique, premium wine production in a collaborative environment where quality takes precedence over volume.


Responsibilities-

Sampling vineyards
Processing samples
Fruit receiving, sorting, and processing
Fermentation monitoring and management
Punchdowns and pumpovers
Barrel preparation, cleaning, and maintenance
Press operation and cleaning
Tank work, racking, and transfers
Winery sanitation and organization
Vineyard sampling and harvest logistics as needed
Bottle run in August
Potentially leading group tastings


Qualifications-

Strong work ethic and positive attitude
Ability to work long hours, including weekends, during harvest
Ability to lift and move 50+ pounds repeatedly
Attention to detail and commitment to quality
Comfortable working in a physically demanding environment
Previous winery experience preferred but not required
Forklift experience is a plus
Passionate about wine
Positive vibes is a must


What We Offer-

Direct mentorship from the owner/winemaker
Hands-on involvement in all stages of harvest
Experience with native fermentations and minimal-intervention winemaking
Exposure to vineyard-designate wines from renowned Sta. Rita Hills sites
Small-team environment with significant responsibility and learning opportunities
Competitive hourly compensation based on experience


Harvest Timeline-

Position begins in mid August and continues through the completion of harvest, typically end of October, depending on the vintage.

If you are local and can give me at least 3 full days a week, send me your CV and lets chat.

www.marbesowine@gmail.com
@marbesowine



To Apply

Please submit a resume and a brief CV.