Position Summary: The Harvest Cellar Intern supports the production of premium wines during the busy harvest season. Working closely with the Winemakers, Cellar Master, and Production Team, this role assists with daily cellar operations including grape processing, fermentation management, barrel work, sanitation, and general winery operations.
This is a hands-on position ideal for candidates interested in winemaking, winery operations, harvest production, or viticulture.
Essential Functions:
Harvest & Crush Operations
Assist with daily harvest activities including grape receiving, weighmaster duties, and crush pad operations
Operate equipment such as crusher/destemmer, presses, pumps, and sorting tables
Empty grape bins and gondolas during processing
Monitor grape sorting and assist with quality control
Collect tank samples and assist production staff as requested
Move dumpsters, bins, and equipment around the crush pad
Fermentation & Cellar Operations
Oper Transfer juice and must from crushers and presses into fermentation tanks
Monitor fermentation progress and tank temperatures
Perform pump-overs, punch-downs, racking, and tank additions
Assist with filtering, fining, and stabilization processes
Move must from tanks to presses during pressing
Barrel Program Support
Wash, sulfur, fill, and top barrels
Assist with barrel inventory tracking
Move and stack barrels safely
Receive new barrels and assist with disposal of older barrels
Cellar Maintenance & Sanitation
Maintain a clean and sanitary cellar environment
Clean tanks, hoses, pumps, and winery equipment
Monitor cellar supplies and report inventory needs
Support winemakers and cellar staff with additional production tasks
Safety & Teamwork
As Follow all winery safety procedures and policies
Participate in safety meetings and training
Report unsafe conditions immediately
Support team operations and assist where needed during harvest
Basic Requirements
Ability to speak and understand basic English
Ability to read instructions, policies, and production procedures
Strong teamwork and communication skills
Ability to follow directions and adapt to changing harvest needs
Education & Experience
High school diploma or GED preferred
Previous winery, harvest, agriculture, or production experience a plus but not required
Equivalent combination of education and experience considered
Additional Requirements
Valid driver’s license may be required
Basic computer skills (email, spreadsheets, or data entry) preferred
Education, Experience, Certificates, Licenses:
High School diploma or GED; or 1-3 months related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Current, valid Driver’s License, insurable driving record, and proof of current automobile insurance may be required.
Physical Requirements: Heavy physical activity performing regular strenuous activities, including standing, walking, climbing, reaching, carrying, pushing, pulling, squatting, and other motions. Stability and balance adequate for elevated and/or narrow work areas. Requires lifting and moving objects up to 50 lbs. in weight independently, and up to 100 lbs. or more with assistance. Manual dexterity sufficient to reach, grasp, hold, handle items, and work with the fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Clear vision (close and distant), peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Hearing adequate for working safely around machinery, vehicles, and other equipment.
Work Environment:
Indoor and outdoor environment with variable lighting, temperature and/or ventilation. Areas may or may not be heated, air-conditioned, or shaded. Outdoor periods frequently required in changing weather conditions. Exposure to fumes and/or a variety of chemicals. Moderate to high noise levels typical of machinery, power tools, vehicles, and other equipment. (Note: PPE provided for all workers.)
Schedule and Travel Requirements:
Variable schedule: Primarily a set schedule but may require weekends, periodic evenings, and/or periodic or seasonal overtime.
Position does not require overnight travel.
Seasonal overtime during peak harvest
Occasional weekend or evening shifts
