Cellar Hand

Amaterra; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Amaterra in Portland, Oregon seeks a Cellar Hand to support winery production through all stages of winemaking, from grape processing to bottling. You will assist with harvest activities, cellar operations, sanitation, and record-keeping while maintaining quality and safety.

The role emphasizes attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and teamwork in a fast-paced production environment. Weekend, holiday, and evening availability may be required.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and cleanliness.
• Ability to follow instructions, work safely, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with grape receiving, sorting, crushing, pressing, and other harvest activities.
• Perform cellar operations, including tank and barrel filling, racking, wine transfers, and blending preparation as directed.
• Clean and sanitize tanks, barrels, hoses, pumps, equipment, and production areas.
• Monitor fermentation activity and assist with routine wine sampling and additions under the direction of the winemaking team.
• Maintain accurate records of cellar activities, wine movements, and production procedures.
• Safely operate pumps, hoses, forklifts, and other winery equipment as trained and authorized.
• Assist with barrel maintenance, topping, organization, and cellar inventory.
• Follow established quality control, food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient cellar and production environment.
• Support bottling, packaging, and other winery operations as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support winery production and seasonal demands.

Skills

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Teamwork and independence

Job description

Overview

The Cellar Hand supports winery production through all stages of winemaking, including grape processing, fermentation, cellar operations, sanitation, and wine transfers. This hands-on role helps maintain wine quality, cleanliness, and safety while supporting the winemaking team throughout the production cycle.

Responsibilities

• Assist with grape receiving, sorting, crushing, pressing, and other harvest activities.
• Perform cellar operations, including tank and barrel filling, racking, wine transfers, and blending preparation as directed.
• Clean and sanitize tanks, barrels, hoses, pumps, equipment, and production areas.
• Monitor fermentation activity and assist with routine wine sampling and additions under the direction of the winemaking team.
• Maintain accurate records of cellar activities, wine movements, and production procedures.
• Safely operate pumps, hoses, forklifts, and other winery equipment as trained and authorized.
• Assist with barrel maintenance, topping, organization, and cellar inventory.
• Follow established quality control, food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety procedures.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient cellar and production environment.
• Support bottling, packaging, and other winery operations as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support winery production and seasonal demands.

Qualifications

GENERAL JOB EXPECTATIONS:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and cleanliness.
• Ability to follow instructions, work safely, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous winery, cellar, brewery, or food production experience preferred.

• Must be a United States citizen or possess a valid work permit.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and evenings as needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to bend, kneel, climb stairs or ladders, and work in confined or damp cellar environments.
• Ability to work around wet floors, varying temperatures, cleaning chemicals, and winery production equipment while following safety procedures.