Cellar Manager

Career Guide

A Cellar Manager oversees wine production operations from grape intake through fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling. The role focuses on quality, safety, scheduling, team leadership, and smooth coordination with vineyard, lab, and packaging teams.

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Key Responsibilities

Plan and run daily cellar operations during harvest and throughout the year
Supervise fermentation activities and cellar workflows
Manage barrel and tank programs including cleaning, maintenance, and inventory
Coordinate wine movements such as transfers, blending, and filtration
Work with the lab team on sampling schedules and quality checks
Train, schedule, and supervise cellar staff and seasonal crews
Maintain food safety and workplace safety practices
Track production records and ensure accurate documentation
Order cellar supplies and manage budgets for cellar operations
Coordinate bottling preparation and packaging timelines
Troubleshoot equipment issues and coordinate repairs
Support compliance needs for audits and inspections

Top Skills for Success

Team Leadership

Production Planning

Time Management

Problem Solving

Clear Communication

Quality Mindset

Workplace Safety

Budget Management

Fermentation Management

Cellar Sanitation

Tank Operations

Barrel Management

Wine Transfers

Blending Execution

Filtration Operations

Bottling Readiness

Sensory Evaluation

Equipment Maintenance Coordination

Production Recordkeeping

Food Safety Practices

Regulatory Compliance Awareness

Forklift Operation

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Assistant Winemaker

Winemaker

Production Manager Operations Manager Quality Manager

Transition Opportunities

Vineyard Operations Manager

Supply Chain Manager

Packaging Manager

Brewery Cellar Lead

Distillery Production Lead

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

People ManagementBatch TraceabilityPreventive Maintenance PlanningInventory ControlData ReportingCross functional CoordinationHazard AwarenessCost Control

Development SuggestionsBuild a simple weekly production plan, standardize shift handoffs, and strengthen documentation habits. Ask to own a small budget line, lead one training session per month, and partner with the lab and maintenance teams to learn root cause analysis and preventive upkeep.

Market Intelligence Report

Cellar Manager is part of the Production Operations category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry LevelUSD 45,000 to 60,000

Mid LevelUSD 60,000 to 85,000

Senior LevelUSD 85,000 to 120,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand in established wine regions, with seasonal hiring peaks around harvest. Demand increases where wineries are expanding production capacity, adding tasting experiences, or focusing on premium quality programs.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

E. and J. Gallo WineryConstellation BrandsJackson Family WinesThe Wine GroupTreasury Wine EstatesDuckhorn PortfolioTrinchero Family EstatesSte. Michelle Wine Estates

Industry Sectors

WineriesCustom crush facilitiesSparkling wine producersCider producersBreweriesDistilleriesWine storage and logistics providers

Recommended Next Steps

Create a one page cellar operations playbook with daily checks and sanitation standards

Track three measurable outcomes for your area such as loss reduction, on time transfers, and safety incidents

Earn or renew relevant safety training and equipment certifications

Strengthen recordkeeping by standardizing lot tracking and transfer logs

Practice leadership by running pre shift briefings and coaching seasonal staff

Build a calendar for harvest readiness including supplies, equipment checks, and staffing plans

Network with local wineries and industry associations for seasonal and full time opportunities