Phelps Creek Vineyards
Cellar Hand / Winery Assistant
Phelps Creek Vineyards is a small family-owned winery in the Columbia Gorge AVA. We farm and make wine from our over 30-year-old estate vineyards in Hood River, OR as well as blocks we farm on Underwood Mountain across the river in WA. Our vineyards are LIVE-certified sustainable, 950-1,200 feet in elevation, steeply sloped, dry farmed, pruned to low yields, and surrounded by forestland. We produce about 5,000 cases a year, with a focus on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian whites. We take inspiration from Burgundy and use native fermentation to craft our Pinot Noir.
We are hiring for a full-time/permanent Cellar Hand/Winery Assistant. Start date in August as we prepare for harvest. This position will report to the Winemaker, but will also take on projects under the direction of the Owners.
Responsibilities:
As a small winery, you will get to be involved in all elements of production, as well as other aspects of winery operations. Much of the work will be done together with the Winemaker, and training will be provided where needed.
- Cleaning – equipment, tanks, barrels, winery
- Operate winery equipment – pump, pressure washer, press, destemmer, bulldog, filter, bottling line, etc.
- Operate forklift – bins, tanks, barrels, pallets
- Harvest – sample grapes, sort fruit, monitor fermentations, pumpovers, punchdowns, nutrient adds, press, barrel down, battonage, etc.
- Wine aging & bottling – pull samples, SO2 adds, top, rack, filter, bottle on our in-house bottling line, empty barrel maintenance, etc.
- Record keeping – brix/temp, adds, barrels, wine volumes, supplies, etc.
- Lab – if interested/able – SO2, pH, TA, malic, alcohol, stability
- Participate with Winemaker and Owners in barrel tasting and blending trials
- Assist with other winery projects as needed – order assembly, wine club events, etc.
Qualifications:
We recognize that everyone brings a unique combination of skills and experience, and we are open to candidates with a combination of direct winery experience, transferrable skills from other industries, and education.
- Care about making high quality wine
- Prior winery or other beverage production experience
- Forklift operation experience
- Attention to detail in actions and records
- Hard working, flexible, reliable, positive, and willing to learn
- Able to work both as part of a team and independently
- Willing and able to work outdoors in hot/cold/wet weather, lift and move 50 pounds, climb ladders, get wet and/or dirty, and use all of your senses
- Willing and able to work extended hours and weekends during harvest
- Ability to speak/read/write English required; spoken Spanish a plus
- Ability to do basic math (arithmetic, unit conversions, etc.)
- Basic computer skills (more advanced computer skills a plus)
- Driver’s license; reliable transportation
- Other relevant knowledge or experience a plus – vineyard, farming, warehouse, wine sales, marketing, mechanical skills, logistics, winery compliance, etc.
Compensation:
DOE. We offer paid holidays and PTO, employee wine discounts, lunch during harvest, and opportunities for career growth.
To apply:
Please email your cover letter and resume to operations@phelpscreekvineyards.com, attn: Lauren O’Brien
