Cellar Tech III/ Cellar Lead

Riboli Family Wines•Paso Robles, CA

1d•$26 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

At Riboli Family Wines, we've spent over a century perfecting our craft—and we're just getting started. As a four-generation, family-owned winery and one of America's fastest-growing wine producers, we create brands that people genuinely love, including Stella Rosa, Spritz Del Conte, San Simeon, and San Antonio. We've been recognized as American Winery of the Year, but what drives us isn't awards—it's the joy our wines bring to tables, celebrations, and everyday moments. Rooted in California and committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation, we're proud to honor our heritage while shaping the future of winemaking. Role Summary: The Cellar Lead is responsible for overseeing daily cellar operations at a small, quality-focused micro-winery. This hands-on leadership role ensures that all winemaking processes—from grape intake through bottling—are executed efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards. The ideal candidate brings strong technical cellar skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead a small team in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

5+ years of hands-on winery cellar experience, preferably in a small-lot or premium production environment
Previous leadership or supervisory experience strongly preferred
Solid understanding of winemaking principles and cellar operations
Experience with filtration, barrel work, and wine transfers required
Forklift experience required; valid driver’s license preferred
Familiarity with cellar management, inventory, and compliance systems
Ability to read gauges and perform calculations related to cellar operations
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Effective communication and leadership skills; bilingual English/Spanish a plus
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Demonstrated reliability, strong work ethic, and commitment to quality
Physically demanding role involving standing, walking, bending, stooping, and twisting
Ability to lift and carry up to 50–60 lbs regularly
Work includes climbing ladders and working at heights up to 40–50 feet
Ability to work in confined spaces, including tank entry, in accordance with safety procedures
Work performed in both indoor and outdoor production environments with varying temperatures
Extended hours, weekends, and overtime required, especially during harvest season
Must be at least 18 years of age
High school diploma or equivalent required
Must be able to read, write, and follow written and verbal instructions in English
Must be able to comply with all safety training and company policies

Nice To Haves

bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

Lead and participate in all cellar activities including crush, fermentation management, racking, pumping, filtration, clarifying, blending, and bottling
Execute wine movements between tanks and barrels, including setup of hoses, pumps, and pipeline systems
Perform barrel work including washing, steaming, stacking, topping, and maintenance
Monitor fermentations (Brix, temperature, and sensory evaluation) and maintain accurate records and data entry
Perform or oversee lab sampling and analysis to support winemaking decisions
Execute work orders and protocols as directed by the Winemaker
Maintain wine quality through rigorous sanitation, organization, and attention to detail
Supervise, train, and mentor cellar staff, interns, and seasonal harvest workers
Assign daily tasks and ensure work is completed efficiently, safely, and to quality standards
Enforce company safety practices and standard operating procedures
Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented work environment
Lead by example through strong work ethic, communication, and initiative
Operate, clean, and maintain all cellar and harvest equipment including presses, crushers, pumps, filters, forklifts, and hoses
Maintain working knowledge of all cellar systems and equipment functionality
Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate repairs when needed
Read gauges, perform basic calculations, and ensure accuracy in all cellar operations
Ensure the cellar, barrel room, and production areas are clean, organized, and compliant with safety standards
Track wine movements, additions, and inventory using cellar management systems
Maintain accurate documentation of all cellar activities and regulatory compliance records
Manage barrel inventory, topping schedules, and supply levels
Support adherence to all winery safety, regulatory, and operational compliance standards
Play a key leadership role during harvest, including extended hours, weekend work, and shift flexibility
Coordinate fruit intake, processing logistics, and fermentation workflow
Ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of all harvest operations