Phelps Creek Vineyards – Harvest Cellar Worker Position
Phelps Creek Vineyards is a small family-owned winery in the Columbia Gorge AVA. We farm and make wine from our 35-year-old estate vineyards in Hood River, OR as well as vineyards on Underwood Mountain across the river in WA. Our vineyards are LIVE-certified sustainable, high 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, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer. We take inspiration from Burgundy and use native fermentation to craft our Pinot Noirs.
We are hiring for a seasonal Harvest Cellar Worker. Start date in August as we prepare for harvest, finishing sometime in October or November. This position will report to the Winemaker.
Responsibilities:
We are a small winery, so you will get to be involved in all aspects of production, as well as other aspects of winery and vineyard operations. Training will be provided as needed.
- Cleaning – equipment, tanks, barrels, fermenters, winery
- Fruit & Fermentations – vineyard sampling, sorting fruit, pumpovers, punchdowns, brix/temp, nutrient adds, battonage, barreling down
- Operate Winery Equipment – pump, pressure washer, press, destemmer, etc. – plus forklift depending on experience/skills
- Record Keeping
Required Qualifications:
We recognize that everyone brings a unique background, and we are open to candidates with a combination of winery experience, education, and/or transferrable skills from other industries.
- Care about making high quality wine
- 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
- Reliable, good attention to detail, positive, and willing to learn
- Ability to speak/read/write English and to do basic math
- Driver’s license
Not Required, but a Plus:
- Prior winery harvest experience, or other beverage production experience
- Forklift operating experience
- A sense of humor
- Ability to speak Spanish
- Computer skills (Excel, etc.)
- Laboratory skills
- Other relevant knowledge or experience –vineyard work, mechanical skills, farming, warehouse, wine sales, wine marketing, winery compliance, etc.
Compensation:
DOE. Lunch provided during harvest. On-site housing potential for the right candidate.
To Apply:
Please email your cover letter and resume to lauren@phelpscreekvineyards.com
