Cellar & Production Assistant

Testarossa Winery; Los Gatos (CA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Testarossa Winery is seeking a proactive Cellar & Production Assistant to support daily winery operations across cellar work, bottling, warehouse activities, shipping, and general maintenance. You will contribute to safety, cleanliness, and efficiency while learning various production areas.

Responsibilities include bottling setup, warehouse organization, shipping tasks, and coordination with the winemaking team.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• No winery experience required; winery, cellar, warehouse, or production experience is a plus.
• Dependable, motivated and willing to learn.
• Ability to follow instructions, ask questions when needed, and take initiative on assigned tasks.
• Strong teamwork skills and a positive, flexible attitude.
• Ability to manage time effectively and adapt to changing priorities.
• Interest in learning about winery operations and wine production.
• Forklift certification upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day cellar activities, including barrel washing and work, cleaning cellar equipment, maintaining an orderly cellar, and supporting harvest operations.
• Assist with bottling line setup, operation, cleanup, and other bottling activities.
• Help maintain an organized warehouse and move wine, supplies, and materials as needed.
• Assist with shipping operations, including Wine Club orders, holiday shipments, and other customer orders.
• Help track, organize, and replenish production supplies.
• Perform routine winery cleaning and sanitation tasks.
• Assist in oversight of part-time and seasonal workers when requested.
• Follow established work instructions, safety procedures, and sanitation practices.
• Operate forklift and lifting devices as needed.
• Communicate with the Assistant Winemaker and team members regarding assignments, progress, and operational needs.

Skills

Teamwork

Time management

Flexible attitude

Willingness to learn

Initiative

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Description:

Join our team of dedicated wine enthusiasts today! Testarossa Winery produces exceptional wines at the historic Novitiate Winery, with a focus on world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Our wines have earned more than 1,900 scores of 90+ points, and we’ve been recognized with honors including Winery of the Year and White Wine of the Year by Connoisseurs’ Guide and Best Winery by the Best in Silicon Valley Awards for twelve consecutive years. Join our talented team and play a hands‑on role in crafting exceptional wines and delivering outstanding winery experiences to our guests!

Benefits we offer!

• Enjoy 10 paid holidays and accrue up to 3 weeks of vacation annually.
• Benefit from up to 8+ sick days per year.
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (80% covered by Testarossa).
• Participate in our 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer match.
• Take advantage of Flexible Spending Accounts for both Medical & Dependent Care.
• Receive a 50% discount on wines and additional winery perks.
• Gain peace of mind with Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Refer new employees and benefit from our Employee Referral Program.
• Work in a beautiful, historic environment alongside passionate and fun colleagues.

What the Cellar & Production Assistant does!

As a Cellar & Production Assistant, you’ll support day-to-day winery operations across cellar work, bottling, warehouse activities, shipping, and general winery maintenance. This hands‑on role offers variety and the opportunity to learn different aspects of winery production while helping maintain safe, efficient operations and the high‑quality standards that define Testarossa. Flexibility, attention to detail, a positive attitude, and a commitment to teamwork are essential. Day‑to‑day responsibilities may include:

• Assist with day‑to‑day cellar activities, including barrel washing and work, cleaning cellar equipment, maintaining an orderly cellar, and supporting harvest operations.
• Assist with bottling line setup, operation, cleanup, and other bottling activities.
• Help maintain an organized warehouse and move wine, supplies, and materials as needed.
• Assist with shipping operations, including Wine Club orders, holiday shipments, and other customer orders.
• Help track, organize, and replenish production supplies.
• Perform routine winery cleaning and sanitation tasks.
• Assist with assigned tasks related to grape reception, harvest, and other winery production activities.
• Assist in oversight of part‑time and seasonal workers when requested.
• Follow established work instructions, safety procedures, and sanitation practices.
• Operate forklift and lifting devices as needed.
• Properly care for tools, equipment, and work areas.
• Communicate with the Assistant Winemaker and team members regarding assignments, progress, and operational needs.
• Be willing to learn new tasks and support other departments as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• No prior winery experience required; winery, cellar, warehouse, or production experience is a plus.
• Dependable, motivated, and willing to learn.
• Ability to follow instructions, ask questions when needed, and take initiative on assigned tasks.
• Strong teamwork skills and a positive, flexible attitude.
• Ability to manage time effectively and adapt to changing priorities.
• Interest in learning about winery operations and wine production.
• Forklift certification upon hire.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Ability to work overtime, evenings, nights, and weekends as operational needs require, particularly during harvest and other peak production periods.
• Occasional travel to vineyard sites and off‑site training opportunities may be required.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks, including bending, climbing ladders and stairs, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and standing or walking for extended periods.
• Ability to work in varied environments, including outdoors in changing weather conditions and in cold rooms, barrel rooms, warehouses, and bottling areas for extended periods.
• Ability to work safely around production equipment, chemicals, electrical hazards, and high‑pressure vessels while following established safety procedures and using required personal protective equipment.