Kleine Zalze is looking for a dedicated, hardworking, and quality-driven Cellar Worker to join our winemaking team.
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of one of South Africa’s leading premium wine producers, where you will play an important role in supporting the production of exceptional wines through all stages of the winemaking process.
Reporting to the Wine Makers, the Cellar Worker will be responsible for carrying out daily cellar operations, including grape intake, fermentation management, wine transfers, barrel work, cleaning and sanitising of cellar equipment, and general cellar maintenance. The successful candidate will contribute to maintaining the highest standards of quality, hygiene, and safety while supporting the cellar team during harvest and throughout the production cycle.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Harvest activities
- Processing of grapes from receival to removal of skins from the winery after pressing and/or fermentation.
- Offloading of grapes and intake into the winery.
- Filling and emptying tanks.
- Filling and emptying presses.
- Cap management of red ferments.
- Racking of white wine juice.
- Inoculation of juice with yeast.
Production (Wine)
- Completion of work orders/tasks as delegated by the winemakers and/or cellar manager.
- Correct handling of wine and equipment.
- Additions of chemicals to wine.
- General hygiene of the production area.
- Any other ad-hoc tasks as needed for the operation of the production department/winery.
- Liaison with Cellar Manager to ensure all tasks are completed correctly and timeously.
- Maintaining correct pump speed during transfers.
- Use of inert gas before wine transfers.
- Correct handling of chemicals and additives.
- Washing floors, fixed lines, tank outsides and pipes according to maintenance schedule.
Production (specialty area - Barrels)
- Filling and emptying of barrels, amphoras and cement eggs.
- Stacking of barrels by forklift and by hand.
- Loading and offloading full and empty barrels on the premises.
- Monthly topping and sulphuring of barrels.
- Cleaning and hygiene of barrel areas and all barrel related equipment.
- Record keeping of all barrels that are no longer suitable for wine production.
- Serve as a liaison between Senior Cellar workers, Junior Cellar workers and General Cellar workers in the completion of their duties.
- Cleaning of specialty equipment – Amphoras, Cement Eggs, barrels.
- Inspection barrels before filling and emptying.
- Cleaning of tanks, sterilising pipes.
- Minor sanding of barrels and rings to remove scuff marks and rust marks.
- Maintain general cellar hygiene, as well as timely reporting of any desired maintenance.
Forklift Duties
- Driving Forklift.
- Serve as a liaison between Senior Cellar workers, Junior Cellar workers and General Cellar workers in the completion of their duties.
- Cleaning of specialty equipment – Amphoras, Cement Eggs, barrels.
- Inspection barrels before filling and emptying.
- Cleaning of tanks, sterilising pipes.
- Minor sanding of barrels and rings to remove scuff marks and rust marks.
- Maintain general cellar hygiene, as well as timely reporting of any desired maintenance.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Qualifications & Experience
- Ability to read and write.
- Formal winery training, for example Skop 1.
- Ability to understand basic work orders
- Proven experience working in a team.
- Proven record of thorough completion of tasks/ work orders
- A valid forklift license will be advantageous
Skills & Attributes
- Experience in working as a team.
- Ability to execute instructions accurately.
- Good time keeping abilities.
- Willing to work overtime.
- Good communication skills in English and Afrikaans.
A market-related remuneration is offered, according to qualifications and experience.
To apply, please submit your CV to daniellei@advinisa.co.za. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
*By submitting your application, you consent to the processing of your personal information for recruitment purposes in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)*