Cellar Worker / Cellar Master

Cellar Worker / Cellar Master

Fingers Crossed

Oak View, CA

Job Description:

Fingers Crossed is a small, family-run, Rhone-focused winery nestled in the heart of the Ojai Valley. Founded and operated by Nikolas and Julia Krankl, the winery produces approximately 1,600 cases per year, emphasizing quality over quantity. Nikolas trained under his parents at the iconic Sine Qua Non winery and brings that same uncompromising commitment to excellence to every bottle.

We work with some of Santa Barbara County's most prestigious vineyards, including Bien Nacido, Stolpman, and Sanford & Benedict. Our wines are deeply personal expressionseach bottle hand-waxed, wrapped in tissue, and packed in custom wooden boxes adorned with original artwork created by Nikolas and Julia Krankl themselves.

Despite our modest size, our wines have earned critical acclaim from leading reviewers such as Antonio Galloni, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Jeb Dunnuck, Erin Brooks, and James Suckling. We've been featured in Decanter, Loam Baby, Hospice du Rhone, and honored among the top wines of the year by Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck.

We are looking for a passionate, detail-oriented Cellar Worker / Cellar Master to join our tight-knit team for the long haul. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands-on, small-production environment where every decision and movement matters.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist in all aspects of winemaking from harvest through bottling

Perform cellar operations including racking, barreling down, topping, sanitation, pressing, sorting, punch downs, pump overs, etc.

Maintain and clean barrels and equipment

Fermentation monitoring and data recording

Maintain a clean, organized, collegial and safe work environment

Prepare wines for bottling and assist with packaging (hand waxing, tissue wrapping, custom box assembly) and shipping

Support with vineyard sampling and fruit processing during harvest

Lead or assist in managing harvest team (depending on experience)

Light landscaping: maintaining presentable winery, groundskeeping

Maintenance of winery equipment, including servicing equipment as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

2+ years of winery or cellar experience (for Cellar Master role; less experienced candidates considered for Cellar Worker)

Strong work ethic and attention to detail

Strong ability to collaborate with and lead others.

Ability to perform physically strenuous tasks including lifting 50+ lbs and work long hours on your feet or kneeling, especially during harvest

Able to work at various heights, specifically on ladders.

Forklift certification is a plus

Enthusiastic about fine wine, craftsmanship, and small-team collaboration

A passion for wine as both art and science

Commitment to a long career in wine

During harvest, we often work odd hours and unpredictable daysgreat for someone with a flexible lifestyle and a passion for wine.

We're a tiny team where everyone wears multiple hatsideal for someone eager to grow, learn, and immerse themselves in every facet of production.

Perfect for someone looking to take the next big step in their wine career and doesn't mind getting their hands (and boots) dirty.

Must be 18+ years old, have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Why Join Fingers Crossed:

Work directly with the owners and winemakers in a creative, highly personalized winemaking environment

Be part of a winery consistently recognized for excellence

Competitive compensation based on experience

Potential for long-term growth with a respected, rising-star brand

Unlimited shots of espresso

If you're inspired by expressive, world-class wines and the attention to detail that goes into every bottle, we'd love to hear from you.

To Apply:

Please send your resume and a short introduction to us.