Harvest Cellar Hand

Seasonal Position

Reports To: Winemaker / Cellar Master

Position Summary

The Harvest Cellar Hand is a vital member of the winemaking team, assisting with all aspects of harvest and cellar operations. This hands-on position provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in premium wine production while working alongside experienced winemakers and cellar staff.

The Harvest Cellar Hand supports fruit processing, fermentation management, sanitation, wine movements, barrel work, and general winery operations. This role requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, a commitment to safety, and the flexibility to work extended hours throughout harvest.

Essential Responsibilities

Harvest Operations

•  Receive, sort, and process incoming fruit.
•  Operate crush equipment, presses, pumps, and other winery machinery.
•  Assist with fruit loading, destemming, crushing, and pressing.
•  Monitor fruit quality throughout processing.
•  Assist with harvest logistics and daily production activities.

Fermentation Management

•  Perform punch-downs, pump-overs, and délestage as directed.
•  Assist with tank and barrel monitoring.
•  Support fermentation sampling and winemaking additions.
•  Prepare tanks and equipment for fermentation activities.

Cellar Operations

•  Perform wine transfers, racking, filtration, stabilization, and blending support.
•  Clean, prepare, fill, and maintain barrels.
•  Set up and clean hoses, pumps, tanks, and cellar equipment.
•  Assist with bottling preparation and winery maintenance projects.

Sanitation & Safety

•  Maintain exceptional sanitation standards throughout the winery.
•  Clean tanks, presses, bins, barrels, floors, and all winery equipment.
•  Follow all safety procedures when handling chemicals and operating machinery.
•  Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.

General Winery Support

•  Assist wherever needed to ensure a successful harvest.
•  Work collaboratively with the winemaking, cellar, laboratory, and vineyard teams.
•  Support special projects as assigned by the Winemaker or Cellar Master.

Qualifications

Required

•  High school diploma or equivalent.
•  Previous winery, agricultural, manufacturing, brewery, food production, or physically demanding work experience preferred but not required.
•  Strong work ethic with a willingness to learn.
•  Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
•  Good communication skills and attention to detail.
•  Dependable, punctual, and safety-conscious.

Preferred

•  Previous harvest or cellar experience.
•  Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification.
•  Mechanical aptitude and experience operating equipment.
•  Passion for premium wine production.

Physical Requirements

•  Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day.
•  Ability to push, pull, climb ladders, bend, kneel, and work on feet for extended periods.
•  Comfortable working in hot, cold, wet, humid, and noisy environments.
•  Ability to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays during harvest.
•  Comfortable working around winery chemicals, machinery, forklifts, and production equipment.

Success in This Role

The Harvest Cellar Hand will be successful by consistently:

•  Demonstrating a strong work ethic and positive attitude.
•  Maintaining high standards of sanitation and safety.
•  Completing cellar operations accurately and efficiently.
•  Supporting the winemaking team with flexibility and attention to detail.
•  Working collaboratively in a fast-paced harvest environment.
•  Taking initiative, learning quickly, and contributing to the production of premium wines.

About Los Altos Vineyards

Los Altos Vineyards is a boutique winery dedicated to crafting exceptional, vineyard-driven wines. Our estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains is home to an eight-acre Pinot Noir vineyard, and we also farm a second vineyard in the Cloverdale Peak region of Alexander Valley, producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Chardonnay, and other premium varietals.

We believe exceptional wine begins in the vineyard and is realized through meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the winemaking process. We embrace a culture of continuous improvement and pursue every vintage with our "100-Point Mindset"—a commitment to craftsmanship, curiosity, and producing wines of extraordinary quality.