Request for Wine Bottling Volunteers

The Port of Leonardtown Winery’s first bottling run is scheduled Wednesday, April 14. The bottling line will be starting operation around 9 a.m. (setup at 7 a.m.) and will run through 7 p.m. (if not a little later).  We are hoping to complete the bottling run in one day. 

Volunteers are needed for two shifts: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and 2 p.m.-8 p.m.  Food and beverages will be provided for those working. 

We need at least 5-6 people at any one time (per shift) to run this operation:

·         Bottle loader – load the empty bottles onto the bottling line (1 person).

·         Bottle packers – retrieve, inspect, and pack the filled bottles back into the cases (2 persons).

·         Pallet coordinator – taping cases closed, loading full cases onto pallets, and stretch wrapping full pallets (1 person)   – could be a task shared between packer and forklift operator.

·         Forklift operator – needs forklift operating experience – moving pallets of empty bottles to bottling line and moving full pallets to storage area (1 person).

·         QA/Wine/Cellar coordinator – the winemaker will perform this task.

The bottling line will run continuously for each wine lot – there may be a 30-45 minute change-over time between wines/bottles.   This will be a fast paced operation. We will try to coordinate breaks within this change-over time, or we will have a floater person that can step in when a break is required.  We will try to rotate people through different stations, so you’re not stuck doing the same task for the full shift.  Note: a full case of wine weighs around 37 lbs. 

There is the possibility we would have to roll some of the bottling over to the next day.  Please advise if you would be to assist on Thursday the 15th, if this becomes the case. 

Please know by April 5th if you can support this event.  Please respond with Name; Contact number; Preferred shift (AM, PM, either, both); Indicate any special experience/skills (i.e. expert bottle packer, forklift operator); and Indicate if you also be available to assist on April 15th, if necessary. Contact: Patrick Isles at pisles2@comcast.net or (443) 624-1448.