Job Description
Job Description:
Estate Culinary Director – Lachini Vineyards
Build a Signature Wine Country Food Program
Overview
Lachini Vineyards is seeking an Estate Culinary Director to create and lead the culinary identity of our Villa experience in the Chehalem Mountains.
This is a rare opportunity to build a thoughtful, wine-driven food program from the ground up at a boutique, estate winery focused on world-class Pinot Noir and elevated hospitality.
This role blends creativity with execution and is ideal for a chef who brings a strong point of view while collaborating closely with ownership and leadership to shape a cohesive culinary identity rooted in seasonal, wine-driven, and Italian-inspired influences.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Vision & Programming
• Develop and lead the culinary direction for the estate
• Design menus that complement the Lachini wine portfolio
• Create a seasonal, ingredient-driven program with subtle Italian and European influences
• Oversee food programming across:
o estate tastings and light fare
o private events and wine dinners
o seasonal luncheons and activations
Operations & Execution
• Oversee all kitchen operations including:
o menu planning
o sourcing and procurement
o inventory and cost management
• Maintain consistency, quality, and presentation standards
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
• Balance creativity with efficiency and profitability
Team & Culture
• Hire, train, and lead culinary and event-related staff as the program grows
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and low-ego kitchen culture
• Work closely with ownership and hospitality leadership to align experience and execution
Partnerships & Presence
• Collaborate with guest chefs, partners, and local producers
• Represent Lachini within the community through events and partnerships
• Contribute to the overall brand experience and guest engagement
Ideal Candidate
• 5+ years in a leadership culinary role (Sous Chef or higher)
• Strong foundation in seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine
• Appreciation for Italian and European culinary traditions
• Experience in winery, restaurant, or boutique hospitality environments
• Ability to balance creativity with operational execution
• Comfortable collaborating with ownership and leadership to refine and execute a shared vision
• Entrepreneurial mindset — excited to build and evolve a program
• Passion for wine, hospitality, and guest experience
Schedule
• Primarily Thursday–Monday, daytime focused
• Some evenings required for events and special programming
Compensation
• $70,000 + (DOE) or flexible project/contract structure
• Bonus or revenue participation tied to events and program growth
• Opportunity to shape and lead a flagship hospitality program
About Lachini Vineyards
Lachini Vineyards is a family-owned estate winery in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay alongside a thoughtful and elevated hospitality experience at the Villa.
We are committed to quality, community, and building a hospitality program that feels both refined and welcoming.
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Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Local area, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift