Cellar Lead/ Cellar Master

Job Description:

J. Bookwalter Winery - Cellar Lead Job Description November 2026

The Cellar Lead position is responsible for the daily activities involved in wine production, taking direction from the Director of Winemaking. These activities may include: grape processing, fermentation management, barrel filling, topping and maintenance, bottling, forklift driving, warehouse fulfillment and various other tasks as needed.

Essential Functions / Duties:
• Perform routine cellar tasks independently.
• Perform activities during the grape harvest, which may include some or all the following: functioning as weighmaster at the grape scale; operating all stations at the crush pad from emptying bins and gondolas to monitoring the crusher/destemmer; operating the press; operating pumps; monitoring the sorting table; moving equipment; and other tasks as needed.
• Perform activities during the fermentation and aging process, including some or all the following: moving juice/must from the crusher and/or press to fermentation tanks; inoculations and nutrient additions, monitoring tanks for temperature control and fermentation progress; racking and performing pump-overs; moving must from the tanks to the presses; filtering, fining, and stabilizing; and other tasks as specified.
• Perform activities associated with the barrel aging program: washing, sulfuring, filling, topping, keeping inventory, moving, and emptying barrels, adding and preparing new barrels.
• Performing activities related to the bottling process: preparing wine for bottling, moving wine into tanks, performing general bottling line duties as needed.
• Perform general tasks related to cellar maintenance and cleaning, monitoring cellar supplies and equipment, and assisting winemakers in other tasks as needed.
• Help in warehouse order fulfillment
• Maintain proper time and attendance using the Sling app/program.
• Comply with all company safety policies, practices, and procedures. Participate in safety training and report all unsafe conditions or work practices.
• Supervise and assist in training of seasonal harvest employees

Necessary Skills:
• Ability to speak and understand complex directions in English.
• Ability to read and comprehend detailed instructions, work orders, and memos.
• Ability to fill-out/complete detailed work orders.
• Ability to perform basic math calculations to complete written work orders.
• Positive attitude and ability to work in a team with fellow winery employees
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to a variety of tasks and duties.
• Ability to adapt to minor changes in routine, solve basic problems, and work with minimal to moderate supervision.

Education, Experience, Certificates, Licenses:
• Highschool diploma or GED required
• Study of wine or winemaking preferred
• Minimum 1 year of prior Winery Cellar experience required (3+ years preferred)
• Prior forklift training and a minimum of 1 year forklift experience required (emphasis on stand-up electric forklift experience)
• Current valid Washington driver’s license, clean / insurable driving record

Physical Requirements:
• Constant physical activity with occasional strenuous activities, including: standing, walking, climbing, reaching, carrying, pushing, pulling, squatting, and other motions.
• Stability and balance adequate for ladders and elevated and/or narrow work areas.
• Requires lifting and moving objects up to 50 lbs. in weight independently, and up to 100 lbs. or more with assistance.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to reach, grasp, hold, handle items, and work with the fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
• Clear vision (close and distant), peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing adequate for working safely around machinery, vehicles, and other equipment.

Work Environment:
• Indoor and outdoor environment with variable lighting, temperature and/or ventilation.
• Areas may or may not be heated, air-conditioned, or shaded.
• Outdoor work frequently required during harvest period in changing weather conditions.
• Exposure to fumes and/or a variety of sanitation chemicals and wine additives.
• Moderate to high noise levels typical of machinery, power tools, vehicles, and other equipment. (Note: PPE provided for all workers.)

Schedule and Travel Requirements:
• Primarily a set schedule; Monday through Friday outside of the harvest period.
• Harvest period may require weekends, evenings, and seasonal overtime.
• Position does not require overnight travel.

Wages and Benefits:
• Position pays $24-$25 per hour depending on experience
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance available to qualifying employees
• 401(k) retirement savings plan available to qualifying employees

J. Bookwalter is an equal opportunity employer.

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