Mural City Cellars Apprenticeship

Mural City Cellars Apprenticeship

JOB TITLE:

Apprentice

DEPARTMENT:

All

CLASSIFICATION:

Hourly, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:

Various Managers

LOCATION:

Philadelphia, PA

PAY/BENEFITS:

Salary range: $21-22/hour. Competitive benefit packages include medical, dental, vision, sick time, life insurance, and employee wine.

SUMMARY: We are excited to propose an immersive, year-long apprenticeship with The Veraison Project designed to provide an emerging professional with a comprehensive skill set across all core facets of the wine industry. This rotational program offers hands-on experience in Winemaking, Hospitality, Marketing, and Business Operations; ensuring apprentices gain both practical expertise and leadership development.

PROGRAM OUTCOME:

Graduates of this apprenticeship will leave with:

  • A full 360° understanding of winery operations in an urban environment focused on
  • direct to consumer and community relations.
  • Meaningful mentorship from industry leaders
  • Leadership capabilities and confidence in cross-functional roles
  • A pathway to continued professional opportunities in wine

August 15 – November 15

Led by Associate Winemaker Leigh Ann Wilson, under the oversight of Co-Owner/Head Winemaker Nicholas Ducos, apprentice will engage directly in the full harvest cycle, including:

  • Vineyard visits and grape assessment
  • Fermentation management and harvest planning
  • Hands-on involvement in picks, crush, press, barreling, bottling
  • Costing and production record-keeping
  • Barrel care, winery sanitation, and equipment maintenance

This quarter aligns with peak production season, ensuring a robust and transformative technical learning experience.

November 16 – January 15

Under the guidance of the General Manager and Bar Leads, apprentices transition to guest-facing operations to build service, leadership, hospitality, and communication skills:

  • Floor shifts focusing on hospitality excellence
  • FOH operations and management training
  • Scheduling and team leadership, including 1:1s and performance review practice
  • Wholesale and external partnership fundamentals
  • Private events and Wine Club program training
  • Garden season planning for community-based initiatives

January 16 – April 15

Under guidance from Creative Strategist Katie Legazpi, apprentice strengthen storytelling and brand communication abilities:

  • Wine event planning and execution
  • Merchandise design, ordering, and inventory strategy
  • Creation of branded marketing assets
  • Social media content planning aligned with brand guidelines

This quarter empowers apprentice to connect product, guest experience, public persona, and brand growth.

Apprentice learn the core structure of running a sustainable wine business with Co-Owner Francesca Galarus:

  • QuickBooks bookkeeping and interpreting financial reports
  • Payroll processes
  • Budgeting and forecasting for seasonal cadences
  • Partnership development with organizations and nonprofits
  • Managerial leadership systems
  • Grant research and support

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Possess a valid driver’s license upon start date (and required to obtain a CA driver’s license within 30 days) to drive between multiple winery locations.
  • Proficient in Office 365 applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Interest in the wine industry and understanding of product offerings are a plus.
  • Commitment to excellence and high standards.
  • Good communicator and team player.
  • Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
  • Maintain a positive attitude.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following: 

  • Ability to lift 40 lbs.
  • Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to work mandatory overtime, including evenings and weekends during harvest and holiday seasons.
  • Perform repetitive motion activities.

  • Noise levels can be moderate to loud in the cellar, vineyard, and warehouse departments.
  • Exposed to outdoor elements, daytime temperatures can range from freezing to hot.
  • Hazards: Occasionally works near moving machinery parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals.
  • Exposure to a warehouse where temperatures are cool, and noise levels can be moderate to high.

The above reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Mural City Cellars is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. If you identify as BIPOC, we welcome you to apply.

Please email your resume, cover letter, and letter of recommendation to info@theveraisonproject.com to complete the application process.
We are only able to consider applicants who have completed this step. Thank you!

Are you based in Philadelphia? *

Please note the apprentice needs a reliable car to perform this role.

If hired, would you have a reliable means of transportation to and from work? *
Are you at least 21 years old? *
Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation? *
Did you graduate high school? *
Did you graduate college or university? *
List below all present and past employment starting with your most recent employer (last five years is sufficient). You must complete this section even if emailing a resume.

Employment Information: Most Recent Employer

Is this your current employer? *
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I hereby certify that I have not knowingly withheld any information that might adversely affect my chances for employment and that the answers given by me are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I further certify that I, the undersigned applicant, have personally completed this application. I understand that any omission or misstatement of material fact on this application or on any document used to secure employment shall be grounds for rejection of this application.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

The Company will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local "Fair Chance" laws.

If you are unable to upload your documents above, please email your resume, cover letter, and letter of recommendation to info@theveraisonproject.com to complete your application. If we do not receive these documents, we will be unable to consider your application. Thank you!

Be a part of The Veraison Project

Be a part of The Veraison Project

100% of your donations will go toward wine certification sponsorship and the costs of running our 501(c)(3) non-profit (EIN 85-1942329) and are tax deductible. Thank you for being a part of the change.