
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Hourly
Compensation
Hourly
Range $33.00 - $37.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Paid sick time
Paid vacation time
Paid holidays
401k plan
Employee wine allocations
Produce allocations
Job Description
Trefethen Family Vineyards is a distinguished family-owned estate vineyard and winery located in the prestigious Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. With over fifty years of history, the vineyard has dedicated itself to crafting exceptional estate-grown wines that truly reflect the unique character of their land, their vines, and the people who nurture them. The core values that drive this well-established winery include family, respect, sustainability, authenticity, learning, and joy. As a result of their commitment to these principles and quality, Trefethen has cultivated a loyal customer base both nationally and internationally, while maintaining a thriving business that is supported by a dedicated team of employees who manage all aspects of the operation—from soil to table.
We are currently seeking a full-time Lead Cook to join our vibrant culinary team. This critical role reports directly to and works closely alongside the Winery Chef, serving as a key player in preparing and executing all of our culinary programs. The Lead Cook will be responsible for crafting and presenting food that perfectly pairs with our wines, enhancing the overall tasting experience for our guests. In addition to preparing these culinary pairings, this position will spend approximately two days per week on the front lines, supporting kitchen operations and working side-by-side with our Wine Educators to deliver memorable and interactive tasting experiences.
This role is full-time and non-exempt, offering a competitive base pay ranging from $33.00 to $37.00 per hour. The exact salary will depend on qualifications, experience, skills, and education. The position also comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid sick and vacation time, paid holidays, participation in a 401k plan, employee wine allocations, and fresh produce from our estate gardens. The Lead Cook will be a vital contributor to maintaining high culinary standards, ensuring food quality and safety while sharing the rich story of Trefethen wines and produce with an enthusiastic audience. The ideal candidate will be passionate about fine wine, hospitality, and food, demonstrating strong culinary skills and attention to detail. A willingness to support all culinary and hospitality needs with a team-oriented mindset is essential. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to immerse themselves in a thriving vineyard environment and contribute directly to enhancing visitor experiences through exceptional culinary offerings.
We are currently seeking a full-time Lead Cook to join our vibrant culinary team. This critical role reports directly to and works closely alongside the Winery Chef, serving as a key player in preparing and executing all of our culinary programs. The Lead Cook will be responsible for crafting and presenting food that perfectly pairs with our wines, enhancing the overall tasting experience for our guests. In addition to preparing these culinary pairings, this position will spend approximately two days per week on the front lines, supporting kitchen operations and working side-by-side with our Wine Educators to deliver memorable and interactive tasting experiences.
This role is full-time and non-exempt, offering a competitive base pay ranging from $33.00 to $37.00 per hour. The exact salary will depend on qualifications, experience, skills, and education. The position also comes with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid sick and vacation time, paid holidays, participation in a 401k plan, employee wine allocations, and fresh produce from our estate gardens. The Lead Cook will be a vital contributor to maintaining high culinary standards, ensuring food quality and safety while sharing the rich story of Trefethen wines and produce with an enthusiastic audience. The ideal candidate will be passionate about fine wine, hospitality, and food, demonstrating strong culinary skills and attention to detail. A willingness to support all culinary and hospitality needs with a team-oriented mindset is essential. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to immerse themselves in a thriving vineyard environment and contribute directly to enhancing visitor experiences through exceptional culinary offerings.
Job Requirements
- at least one year of experience in a similar position
- ability to support winery chef and events manager
- skill in mentoring line cooks
- capacity to manage daily tastings and special events simultaneously
- strong culinary skills and attention to detail
- ability to assist with kitchen setup, breakdown, and food preparation
- experience with kitchen inventory and food preservation
- capability to fill in for winery chef at least two days per week
- accuracy and speed in task execution
- excellent understanding of cooking methods and procedures
- availability to work flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and evenings
- ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- manual dexterity for handling kitchen tasks
- good close and distance vision
- ability to stand for long periods
- capability to bend, stoop, reach, kneel, crouch, or climb stairs occasionally
Job Qualifications
- experience in a similar lead cook position for at least one year
- strong culinary skills and knowledge of cooking methods, ingredients, and equipment
- passion for fine wine and hospitality
- excellent attention to detail
- ability to work flexibly including weekends, holidays, and evenings
- excellent communication skills for guest interaction
- familiarity with food safety standards
Job Duties
- work closely with and support the winery chef in all culinary programs
- develop and maintain a strong knowledge of wines and food pairings
- prepare food for wine pairings and present pairings to guests
- support taste experiences and events as primary kitchen support about two days each week
- ensure compliance with culinary standards related to food quality and safety
- assist with kitchen and storage organization, inventory, and food preservation
- mentor line cooks and support event execution
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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