Job Details

Cellar Blender

Location: Healdsburg, CA
Department: Production - Cellar
Reports to: Cellar Supervisor

Join the Sonoma Craft team and help create high-quality cider from the ground up. We're looking for a motivated, hands-on Cellar Tech I who thrives in a physical, team-oriented environment. This role offers strong on-the-job training and exposure to all stages of cellar work-from fermentation checks to sanitation to bulk product movement-with plenty of room to grow into higher-level cellar positions as you build your skills.

Job Summary

The Cellar Blender works with all Cellar roles (Tech I & II, Lead, and Supervisor) and the Operations Manager to complete cellar tasks according to established Standard Operating Procedures, or as specifically directed. This individual should primarily execute cellar work orders but may also be requested to complete other tasks as assigned due to business needs.

This position is hands-on, fast-paced, and physically demanding, requiring strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask while working around wet equipment, pressurized gases, and typical winery conditions. The Cellar Blender plays an important part in supporting Sonoma Craft's commitment to quality and operational excellence.

Job Responsibilities

Understands, follows, and completes cellar work orders to perform the following:

• Follows cellar standard operating procedures (SOPs) and adheres to safe cellar practices
• Performs equipment CIP protocols including tank cleaning, and hose/pump sanitation
• Receives bulk tankers, including setup and operation of pump to offload, operating juice warming unit, cleaning and sanitizing all used pumps and hoses.
• Performs daily fermentation checks. Accurately and clearly obtains, records, and conveys production numbers and records data in the ERP system
• Operates basic cellar equipment, including pumps, flow meters, tank mixers, and is comfortable with cellar principles to move bulk products between tanks
• Prepares yeast and other ingredients for direct addition to tanks or to infusion equipment, with the approval or supervision of other cellar staff
• After completing site-specific training and certification, operates cellar scissor lift and forklift
• Understands, handles, and uses pressurized gases
• Performs general cleaning tasks including the pressure washing of cidery floors and tank exteriors
• Executes Cider blending and infusing operations and related additions in partnership with the Cellar Supervisor
• Assist as needed in operating laboratory equipment to obtain: Brix, ABV, pH, Free/Total SO2, Turbidity, Dissolved O2, Dissolved CO2
• Manages job load and multi-task several jobs at once, minimizing operational downtime.
• Calculates and approves blend work orders, chemical and inert gas additions for cellar tanks, including sweet juice, dry base, cellar ingredients, yeast, malic acid, KMBS, enzymes, fining, and finishing products
• Assists with ERP system data entry, communicates deviation and variance from the cellar plan with the production team, including tank volumes, addition rates, and loss

Skills & Qualifications:

• Minimum 4 years of experience in a cidery, winery, or brewery environment, including supervisory experience
• High School Diploma, GED, or ten years of work-related experience. Higher Education preferred
• Forklift Certification and proven ability to safely operate a forklift, scissor lift, and pallet jack
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including extended hours and overtime as needed
• Proficient levels in reading, writing, and mathematical skills
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, and NetSuite or related winery management software. Ability to learn additional cidery management programs necessary.
• Ability to understand and follow directions, as well as listen and communicate with co-workers as a leader and follower
• Strong and proven work ethic

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This position is based in Healdsburg, CA. Expected in-offices days are Monday through Friday

This role is classified as non-exempt under California wage and hour laws. This position is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable state and federal law for hours worked beyond standard work hours, as approved by management.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Ability to frequently sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and climb.
• Ability to frequently talk, hear, feel, taste, and smell.
• Ability to frequently lift and/or move up to 55 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 165 lbs. to waist height
• Ability to frequently reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to work on a platform ladder at heights up to 20 feet.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to participate in critical assessment of ciders.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Sonoma Craft LLC is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We wholeheartedly embrace authenticity, diversity, and people's differences. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace for all our employees and consumers.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Compensation Transparency

Compensation range: Non-Exempt $24-$30 per hour

The posted pay range reflects the long-term earning potential for this role. Initial offers are determined based on non-discriminatory, business-related factors-including experience, education, training, professional certifications, geographic location, internal equity, and performance expectations-and are not made at the top of the range. By submitting your application, you confirm that your desired compensation aligns with this approach.

Benefits at Sonoma Craft

At Sonoma Craft, we believe in supporting the whole employee - mind, body, and lifestyle. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health Care Coverage

• Medical Insurance: 90% of the employee premium and 50% of dependent premiums covered
• Dental & Vision Insurance: 100% of the employee premium and 50% of dependent premiums covered

Monthly Wellness Allowance

• $100 monthly reimbursement to support physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, including gym memberships, fitness classes, yoga, strength training, or passes to Regional, State, or National Parks

Paid Time Off

• 18 days of PTO annually, accrued from your start date

Company Holidays

• 11 paid holidays each year

Cider & Beer Allotments

• Monthly product perks to enjoy our craft beverages

401(k) Retirement Plan

• Eligibility begins after 90 days
• 100% match on the first 3%, and 50% match on the next 3% after one year of employment

We're building a workplace where people thrive, and these benefits are just one of the ways we show our appreciation for all that you bring to the team.