Cellar Assistant

Phoenix Recruitment Limited; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Wine Estate near Somerset West is seeking a Cellar Assistant to join the hands-on, physical production team. The role involves assisting winemakers with daily operations, including wine transfer, grape processing, and bottling preparation.

You will work in a wet, cold, or loud environment and support the cellar team during peak harvest with long hours when required.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• WSET Level 2 or equivalent training.
• 2+ years’ experience in a similar role.
• High physical stamina essential.
• Valid driver’s license; forklift certification an advantage.
• Comfort working in wet, cold, or loud environments.
• Willingness to work flexible, long hours during peak harvest season.

Responsibilities

• Pump and transfer wine, juice, or must between tanks, barrels, and vessels.
• Receive, crush, and press grapes during vintage harvest seasons.
• Clean and sanitize tanks, barrels, hoses, pumps, floors, and equipment.
• Track fermentation by sampling, checking sugar/density levels, and monitoring temperatures.
• Add fining agents or nutrients under winemaking team guidance.
• Assist with bottling lines, labeling, and warehouse preparation.

Skills

Hands-on work

Stamina

Team collaboration

Forklift certification

Education

Grade 12

WSET Level 2

Tools

High-pressure gear

Caustic cleaners

Job description

Wine Estate based in close to Somerset West is looking for a Cellar Assistant.

The successful candidate will be involved in the hands-on, physical production work in this winery and assist winemakers with the daily operations of making, moving, and bottling wine.

Duties

• Pump and transfer wine, juice, or must between tanks, barrels, and vessels
• Receive, crush, and press grapes during vintage harvest seasons.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize tanks, barrels, hoses, pumps, floors, and general cellar equipment using high-pressure gear and caustic chemicals.
• Track fermentation progress by taking liquid samples, checking sugar/density levels, and monitoring temperatures.
• Measure and add specific fining agents, nutrients, or chemical adjustments under the direction of the winemaking team.
• Assist with bottling lines, labelling, and warehouse preparation.

Requirements

• Grade 12
• Basic entry-level training (such as WSET Level 2).
• At least 2+ years’ experience in a similar role
• High physical stamina is essential
• A valid driver's license and forklift certification (forklift license) will be advantages.
• Comfort working in wet, cold, or loud environments
• Willingness to work flexible, long hours and shifts during peak harvest season