Cellar Technician
A cellar technician is responsible for installing and maintaining the equipment used to produce wine and spirits. This is a more senior and technical role than a cellar hand, but it requires a similar work ethic and physical fitness.
Responsibilities
Tasks include ordering parts, installing equipment, finding and fixing faults, temperature and pressure control, training staff to use equipment, transferring wine and spirits, tracking inventory and general troubleshooting.
Cellar technicians also install and maintain drinks systems in pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels and other establishments. Some work full-time at a specific winery or distillery, while others work for various bars and restaurants on a more ad hoc basis.
Skills
The ability to operate complex equipment is crucial, so you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the manufacturing process. This role also suits methodical individuals, who pay attention to detail and use logic to solve problems.
Career Progression
You might start out as a cellar hand and then train to become a cellar technician. If you excel, you could be promoted to a managerial role at the company. Some cellar technicians are self-employed, and you could hire more staff as your business grows.
An engineering diploma can help you land a job as a cellar technician. Many cellar technicians also broaden their knowledge via WSET courses in wine and spirits.