Vintage Cellar Hand – Casual Position Heathcote Winery

Free Run Consulting; Heathcote; On-site; AUD 30,000 - 47,000; Part time

Job summary

Heathcote Winery invites applications for a Vintage Cellar Hand (Casual). The role supports daily winery operations during the vintage season, for 4–8 weeks, with on-the-job training provided. Work includes pumps, cleaning, racking and general cellar duties in a hands-on environment.

No prior winery experience is required; physical fitness and ability to work outdoors are essential. Forklift license is a preference, with safety and SOPs emphasized throughout.

Qualifications

• Willing to undertake manual winery tasks.
• Able to work outdoors and physically fit.
• No prior winery experience needed; on‑the‑job training provided.

Responsibilities

• Cleaning and sanitising tanks, hoses, barrels, equipment and cellar surfaces.
• Barrel washing and general cellar hygiene.
• Assisting with racking, transfers, additions and other cellar tasks under supervision.
• Fruit receival and processing during vintage.
• Assisting in all vintage operations (pump overs, additions, barrel work, etc.).
• Setting up and packing down equipment and cellar spaces.
• General winery maintenance tasks as directed.
• Maintaining a clean, safe and organised cellar environment and following SOPs.

Skills

Physical fitness

Manual labor

Outdoor work

Autonomy

Communication

Job description

Vintage Cellar Hand – Casual Position Heathcote Winery

The position is hands‑on and centres on cellar operations, working closely with the winemaking team on daily tasks throughout the vintage. During the annual vintage period, you will work in the winery for a period of up to 4-8 weeks depending upon the length of the season. Duties will include working with pumps and machinery plus a range of other winery duties. No winery experience required as on-the-job training will be provided.

Key responsibilities

• Cleaning and sanitising tanks, hoses, barrels, equipment and cellar surfaces
• Barrel washing, organising and general cellar hygiene
• Assisting with racking, transfers, additions and other cellar tasks under supervision
• Fruit receival and processing during vintage
• Assisting in all vintage operations (fruit intake, pump overs, additions, barrel work etc.)
• Setting up and packing down equipment and cellar spaces
• General winery maintenance tasks as directed
• Maintaining a clean, safe and organised cellar environment
• Following SOPs and safe work practices at all times

About you

• Strong physical fitness and willingness to undertake manual work
• Good level of fitness as much of the work is physically demanding
• Ability to work outdoors
• Ability to work autonomously with direction from winemakers and other staff
• Australian citizen or valid working in Australia Visa
• Preference will be given to applicants who possess an Australian License to Perform High Risk Work (forklift license) and have at least 12 months forklift driving experience
• Good communication and ability to follow instructions
• Safe and reliable work practices
• Interest in cellar operations and wine production

About us

Heathcote Winery is a premium boutique winery located in the main street of Heathcote, central Victoria. We create a range of handcrafted wine including Vermentino, Viognier, Rose, Grenache and Shiraz. We are expecting to crush approximately 85-110 tonnes of premium hand-picked fruit.