Commis Chef / Prep Cook

Tasting & Tap Room Expo; California (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Far Niente Wine Estates seeks a Commis Chef / Prep Cook to join a luxury winery culinary team. You will support the Executive Chef in daily operations, tastings, and private events, gaining hands-on experience in menu prep and plating while upholding high standards of hospitality.

The role emphasizes teamwork, clean professional kitchens, and the chance to develop skills in food preparation, seasonal offerings, and wine pairings within a world-class setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Some culinary experience through work, culinary school, internships, or personal passion is expected.
• Ability to work on your feet throughout the shift and lift up to 30 pounds.
• Flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Prepare fresh ingredients for daily menus, tastings, and private events.
• Assist chefs with food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation.
• Learn proper knife skills, cooking techniques, and professional kitchen practices.
• Help create memorable food and wine pairings for guests.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen; label and rotate food per safety standards.
• Set up and break down culinary experiences, tastings, and private events.
• Help care for kitchen equipment and assist with inventory.

Skills

Food safety practices

Knife skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Culinary school coursework or certificate

Job description

Commis Chef / Prep Cook

Reports To: Executive Chef

Join Our Culinary Team

Do you have a passion for food and a desire to learn from talented chefs? At Far Niente Wine Estates, you'll be part of a collaborative culinary team creating memorable food and wine experiences for guests from around the world.

Whether you're a recent culinary school graduate or someone eager to begin a culinary career, this is an opportunity to develop your skills in a luxury winery environment where quality, creativity, and hospitality come together.

Working alongside our Executive Chef, you'll gain hands-on experience in food preparation, plating, seasonal menus, private events, and daily culinary operations while learning the techniques and standards that define exceptional hospitality.

What You'll Do

As a Commis Chef, you'll play an important role in preparing the beautiful culinary offerings that accompany our world-class wines.

• Prepare fresh ingredients for daily menus, tastings, and special events.
• Assist chefs with food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation.
• Learn proper knife skills, cooking techniques, and professional kitchen practices.
• Help create memorable food and wine pairings for our guests.
• Maintain an exceptionally clean, organized, and safe kitchen.
• Properly label, rotate, and store food following food safety standards.
• Set up and break down culinary experiences, tastings, and private events.
• Help care for kitchen equipment and workspaces.
• Support inventory organization and restocking.
• Assist with seasonal menu changes and culinary projects.
• Contribute ideas that improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Help harvest and utilize ingredients from our culinary gardens when in season.
• Be an active, supportive member of a collaborative culinary team.

We're Looking For Someone Who

• Loves food and wants to build a culinary career.
• Enjoys working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Takes pride in preparing beautiful, high-quality food.
• Is eager to learn new techniques and receive coaching.
• Pays attention to detail and strives for excellence.
• Brings a positive attitude and strong work ethic every day.
• Values cleanliness, organization, and food safety.
• Wants to create exceptional experiences for every guest.

Qualifications

Minimum

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Some culinary experience through work, culinary school, internships, or personal passion
• Ability to work on your feet throughout the shift
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds
• Flexible schedule including weekends and holidays

Preferred

• Culinary school coursework or certificate
• Previous experience in a restaurant, winery, hotel, or catering environment
• Knowledge of basic knife skills and food safety practices

Why You'll Love Working Here

At Far Niente Wine Estates, you'll do more than prepare food—you'll help create unforgettable experiences.

• Learn from experienced culinary professionals
• Work with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from Napa Valley
• Be part of a luxury hospitality team known for excellence
• Build your culinary skills in a supportive environment
• Participate in creating wine and food pairings that delight guests
• Grow your career within one of Napa Valley's premier wine estates

About Far Niente Wine Estates

Far Niente Wine Estates represents a legacy of excellence and stewardship that spans over 135 years, uniting the wines and vineyards under a single vision of artistry, integrity, and community. Founded in 1885 by John Benson with the construction of the iconic Far Niente stone winery in the heart of Napa Valley, the estate has expanded over the years, preserving its heritage while advancing the craft of winemaking through the vision and dedication of the dreamers and doers who have shaped the luxury wine industry. In 1979, the Nickel family revitalized Far Niente, restoring its original grandeur and elevating it to an internationally renowned winery celebrated for Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon in the heart of Oakville, California. Today, as stewards of more than 400 acres of premier Napa and Russian River Valley vineyards, Far Niente Wine Estates’ commitment to quality and sustainability has guided its careful expansion, bringing together a collection of world-class wineries that reflect the diversity of Napa Valley and the Russian River Valley terroirs. The portfolio includes single vineyard, single varietal pioneer Nickel & Nickel; Bella Union, dedicated to showcasing diverse expressions of Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends; Post & Beam, centered on time-honored techniques used to craft its contemporary style; EnRoute, devoted to world-class Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley; and Dolce, America’s leading late-harvest wine.

At the heart of Far Niente Wine Estates is a dedication to preserving the Napa legacy while exceeding expectations. This ensures that the estates’ wines remain a beloved symbol of craftsmanship, care for the land, and an enduring commitment to quality. The estates minimize their environmental footprint by committing to responsible and sustainable winemaking practices while fostering enduring value for all its stakeholders. Far Niente Wine Estates also embraces a culture of inclusion and authenticity, celebrating the unique contributions of its team and fostering a sense of belonging. To learn more, visit the Far Niente Wine Estates website.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion. We work to create an environment of fair opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.