Location: St Helena, CA

Position Type: Full-Time

About Wheeler Farms

Nestled in the heart of St. Helena, Wheeler Farms is a private estate winery and working farm offering an intimate, highly curated expression of Napa Valley. Rooted in a true farm-to-table philosophy, our culinary and wine programs are guided by seasonality, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the land. Each guest experience—whether a vineyard lunch, private tasting, or bespoke event—is designed to feel personal, refined, and quietly exceptional.

The Opportunity

Wheeler Farms invites a talented and poised Winery Chef to join our culinary team, working in close partnership with and reporting directly to the Executive Chef. This role is deeply collaborative in nature—supporting the execution, consistency, and continued evolution of an already refined culinary program.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative mindset—someone who takes pride in precision, contributes thoughtfully, and thrives in a high-touch, detail-oriented environment.

During the Executive Chef’s planned leave of absence in the fall, the Winery Chef will lead the culinary team, ensuring continuity across the culinary program and a seamless guest experience. Before and after this period, the focus returns to partnership and support—working alongside the Executive Chef to bring shared creative vision and standards to life.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a polished and place-driven culinary program while being part of a small, highly collaborative estate team.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Execution & Support

· Execute seasonal menus with precision, consistency, and attention to detail

· Contribute to menu development and refinement in collaboration with the Executive Chef

· Support all food production for tastings, wine pairings, private dining, and curated events

· Maintain and uphold established presentation and plating standards

Operations & Organization

· Support day-to-day kitchen operations including sourcing, purchasing, and inventory management

· Assist in monitoring food cost, labor, and overall kitchen efficiency

· Maintain strong relationships with local purveyors and farmers alongside the Executive Chef

· Contribute to the organization and continuous improvement of kitchen systems and workflows

Team Collaboration

· Work closely with the Executive Chef to support and guide a small culinary team

· Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen environment grounded in accountability and shared standards

· Provide mentorship and support to team members through example and day-to-day engagement

Guest Experience

· Partner with hospitality to ensure seamless, elevated guest experiences

· Execute culinary offerings that complement and enhance the wine program

· Participate in guest-facing moments as appropriate

Standards & Compliance

· Maintain cleanliness, organization, and adherence to food safety standards

· Ensure all regulatory and operational protocols are consistently followed

Qualifications

- 5+ years of progressive culinary experience, including leadership roles

- Background in fine dining, luxury hospitality, or winery environments preferred

- Demonstrated strength in culinary execution and kitchen management

- Strong organizational and leadership skills

Compensation & Benefits

- $36- - $41 per hour

- Health benefits

- 401(k) plan

- Paid time off

A Defining Opportunity

This role offers the chance to lead a distinctive culinary program in one of Napa Valley’s most refined hospitality settings—with the opportunity to shape its future long-term.

Pay: $36.00 - $41.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Bella Oaks & Wheeler Farms Wine

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