Cellar Hand
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Appledore, TN26 2BE & Hunton, ME15 0QY,
England
Job Title: Cellar Hand
Reporting To: Assistant Winemaker
Location: Gusbourne Estate, with work across two sites in Kent: Primary production (Appledore, Kent) and secondary production (Hunton, Maidstone).
The Company
We’re an award-winning English fine wine producer, based in Kent. Our vision is simple: we strive to create the finest wines in the world.
As a luxury brand, a quest for perfection and a fastidious approach to detail is at the heart of everything we do. We craft vintage-only wines that are unique to each year – an authentic reflection of a time and place.
We love what we do, and we’re incredibly proud of Gusbourne. Whether in the vineyard, the winery, or beyond, we work together to build a sustainable future.
We embrace tradition and challenge convention. We’re at the forefront of the English wine industry – and that’s a hugely exciting place to be.
If you’d like to join us, a rare opportunity has arisen in our winery team.
Role Purpose
Reporting to the Assistant Winemaker, the Cellar Hand plays a key role in supporting all aspects of the winemaking process. This hands-on role spans cellar, vineyard, and secondary production operations, ensuring daily activities meet exceptional quality standards while maintaining strict Health & Safety protocols.
This role is ideal for someone with a positive attitude, strong organisational skills, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning and growing within the wine industry.
Key Responsibilities
Winery Operations:
- Perform cellar production tasks, including bottling, harvest labelling, and disgorgement, while adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Conduct routine operations such as racking, transferring, filtering juice, must, and wine.
- Clean and sanitise cellar equipment, tools, and workspaces to uphold hygiene standards.
- Assist with barrel management, including washing, filling, sulphuring, and inventory tracking.
- Operate forklifts to handle materials and equipment safely and efficiently.
Secondary Production:
- Operate and monitor disgorging and labelling lines.
- Perform tasks such as stacking bottles, handling riddling cages, and preparing orders with precision.
- Maintain accurate production and inventory records.
Vineyard Operations:
- Provide support in the vineyard during the growing season, including pruning and canopy management.
Health and Safety:
- Report and address any safety concerns or incidents promptly.
- Ensure all equipment and practices meet health and safety standards, working closely with the Assistant Winemaker and Health and Safety Manager.
Experience and Qualifications
- Previous experience as a Cellar Hand, with harvest experience preferred but not essential.
- A reliable, meticulous, and team-oriented individual with a practical approach to problem-solving.
- Strong attention to detail and communication skills with a focus on quality in all tasks.
- Forklift experience is preferred but not essential.
Skills and Attributes
- Self-motivated, resilient, and energetic.
- Positive attitude with a keen interest in winemaking and a commitment to professional growth.
- Exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment and adapt to various tasks.
- Strong ethical values, sound judgment, and initiative to solve problems proactively.
Rewards
- A fulfilling career in the rapidly growing English wine industry.
- Benefits package including 25 days paid holiday, pension contributions, and Medicash healthcare.
- Wine allowance: 24 bottles per year.
- Preferential rates on additional wine purchases and wine tours.
- Birthday gift.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Staff events, including summer socials and Christmas parties.
- In-house WSET training offered at Levels 1–3.
Job Type and Hours
- Full Time, Permanent
- Compensation commensurate with experience.
- 40 hours per week, with flexibility for seasonal demands.
How To Apply
To Apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter to our Gusbourne Recruitment Team at
[email protected] by Friday 31st January 2025.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
At Gusbourne, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
