Senior Cellar Hand – Waihopai River Winery

Nestled in the heart of Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley, Marisco Vineyards is home to some of New Zealand’s most beloved wine brands — The Ned, Leefield Station, The Kings Series, and Craft Series. We’re a forward-thinking wine company, passionate about sharing Marlborough’s unique wine story with the world.

With two modern wineries in the Waihopai Valley and vineyards covering more than 1,000 hectares, we are seeking a Senior Cellar Hand to join our Waihopai River Winery team. This is a full-time, permanent position working closely with the Cellar Operations Manager and Cellar Supervisor to support daily winery operations and help drive continuous improvement in all cellar practices

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and support daily cellar operations including but not limited to juice and wine transfers, additions, inoculations, and tankering

• Assist in mentoring of both full-time and harvest cellar staff

  Ensure cleaning, sanitation, and preventative maintenance schedules are completed in a timely manner and to a high standard

  Contribute positively and proactively to all cellar based Health & Safety protocols and initiatives

• Support cellar management with all aspects of planning and resourcing during peak periods

• Undertake forklift operations as required

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance cellar efficiency and / or wine safety & quality

Essential skills and experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years’ cellar experience in a mid-to-large, Marlborough based winery, with at least two vintages in a senior or supervisory capacity preferred

• Strong practical cellar skills, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to train and lead teams

• Practical knowledge of cellar equipment, cleaning and hygiene regimes, and basic mechanical troubleshooting

• Forklift licence and forklift experience

• A full understanding of winery-based Health & Safety protocols and Wine Safety & Quality systems

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and work 12-hour shifts during harvest

• Strong organisational skills, reliability, and a team-first attitude

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with other winery based functions e.g. winemaking, laboratory, sales & marketing

• Own transport and the legal entitlement to work in New Zealand

In return we offer:

• Competitive remuneration, commensurate with qualifications and experience ($30 - $32 per hour)

• Wine allowance and vintage-branded clothing

• Paid day off on your birthday

• Full training on winery SOPs with opportunities for upskilling and career progression

• All PPE provided

• Supportive team environment with the chance to contribute to highly successful, quality wine production programme