Cellar 426 Winery is a family-owned winery established in 2012. Since opening, we’ve become one of the Midwest’s most celebrated wineries—earning more than 250 medals and being voted “Best Winery” by Omaha World-Herald readers for eight consecutive years. We’re looking for a dedicated team player to join our small, passionate team committed to producing wines of the highest quality. At Cellar 426, we take pride in crafting premium, handcrafted wines and ciders that capture the essence of our vineyards, our region, and our unwavering commitment to excellence. As part of our close-knit and innovative winery, you’ll work alongside our Winemaker to create outstanding wines that continue to gain national recognition.
Position Summary
This position is a vital, hands-on role involved in every stage of production—from grape to glass. Working closely with the Winemaker, you’ll assist with fermentations, blending, bottling, lab analysis, and overall cellar operations while upholding the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and quality. You’ll also play an active role in the vineyard, helping to ensure the fruit meets the highest standards for exceptional wine production.
This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of the wine production process, from vineyard management to winemaking. Perfect for someone eager to learn and grow with us. This position is roughly 75% winemaking work and 25% vineyard work.
Key Responsibilities
- Support all phases of winemaking and cidermaking, including harvest, crushing, pressing, fermentation, racking, aging, blending, and bottling
- Perform daily cellar operations, cleaning, sanitation, and equipment maintenance
- Conduct and record lab tests and quality control checks
- Monitor fermentation and aging processes, including barrel topping and sampling
- Maintain accurate records to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations
- Assist in managing inventory of wine, cider, barrels, and dry goods
- Participate in harvest operations—fruit receiving, sorting, and processing
- Support bottling operations, ensuring product consistency and quality
- Collaborate on product development and blending trials under direction of the Winemaker
- Contribute to winery events, tours, and educational experiences and occasionally assist in the tasting room as needed
- Offer ideas for process improvements, efficiency, and quality enhancement
- Ability to accurately discern wine characteristics and flaws when tasting and smelling wine & cider
- Assist with vineyard monitoring—sampling fruit, checking ripeness (brix, pH, acidity), and observing vine health.
- Participate in basic vineyard care such as canopy management, leaf pulling, and fruit thinning when needed.
- Support harvest operations: fruit sampling, picking coordination, and grape receiving
Qualifications & Requirements
- Passion for winemaking, cidermaking, and exceptional craftsmanship
- Strong attention to detail and eagerness to learn and grow within the industry
- Team-oriented with excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in a variety of conditions, including outdoor and harvest settings
- Willingness to work flexible hours during peak production times (including some evenings and weekends)
- Experience with cellar operations, lab work, or beverage production preferred
- Valid Driver’s License required
- Degree or coursework in Enology, Fermentation Science, Food Science, or a related field preferred
- Positive mental attitude, self-motivated, self-starter, high energy, professional and punctual.
Why Join Cellar 426 Winery?
At Cellar 426, you’ll be part of a passionate, family-owned winery that values craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration. We offer a supportive environment where your ideas are heard, your contributions matter, and your growth is encouraged. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about being part of a collaborative team, playing a valued strategic role, and contributing to the growth and success of the brand and business.
This is a full-time position with benefits package including a stipend for medical and dental coverage, a 401(k) plan with company match after 1 year of service, and a Paid Time Off program. Salary is commensurate with experience, skills, and education.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your winery career and be part of an award-winning team—apply today! Or share this opportunity with someone who would be a great fit for Cellar 426 Winery.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person