Senior Vintage Cellar Hand

About the role

The Senior Vintage Cellar Hand will lead a small team during the Vintage 27 season at Kim Crawford Winery in Marlborough, New Zealand. This seasonal position starts in late January 2027 with site‑specific training before the main vintage crew arrives. You will work closely with the Production Leader and Shift Supervisors to help produce award‑winning wines.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a small team of cellar hand staff throughout the vintage season.
• Operate winery machinery, including presses and filtration equipment.
• Participate in daily production meetings at the start or end of each shift.
• Maintain a safe, efficient workflow during 8‑12 hour days, six days a week.
• Support the overall goal of producing high‑quality wine by following the grape‑to‑wine process.

Required profile

• Minimum of three vintage seasons in the last six years, preferably in a medium to large winery.
• Experience leading a small team or acting as a supervisor (preferred but not essential).
• Strong understanding of the grape‑to‑wine production flow.
• Good physical fitness and health‑and‑safety awareness.
• Willingness to work shift patterns and long hours during the harvest period.

Required skills

• Operation of continuous flotation pools.
• Operation of high solids filters.
• Operation of grape presses.
• Operation of yeast rehydrators.

What we offer

• Competitive wage with the ability to earn overtime.
• Meals and weekly treats on site.
• Welcome gift pack and wine‑tasting sessions.
• Guidance for sourcing accommodation.
• End‑of‑season harvest celebration.
• Opportunity to work with a diverse, inclusive team.