Wine and Viticulture


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Submission #4826

Harvest Internship
Seasonal F/T
Piazza Family Wines
Solvang, CA
Piazza Family Wines is a boutique, family-owned winery dedicated to crafting small-production, site-driven wines from two distinctive estate vineyards in Santa Barbara County. With a commitment to organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking, we produce wines that reflect the singular beauty of place, vintage, and varietal.
Our journey began in the 1980s, when owners Ron and Nancy Piazza hand-planted the now-iconic Mt. Carmel Vineyard on a dramatic hillside in what would become the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Today, Mt. Carmel stands as one of the oldest and most revered vineyards in the appellation. Its steep, exposed slopes and diatomaceous earth soils—composed of ancient marine fossils—yield wines of exceptional minerality, structure, and age-worthiness. The vineyard’s extreme growing conditions and coastal influence result in low yields and fruit of remarkable intensity, particularly for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
In Ballard Canyon, the Piazzas established Bella Vista Vineyard, our second estate site and home to our winery. Planted in 2001 to Rhône varietals and expanded in 2020 to include select Italian varieties, Bella Vista is situated at 1,100 feet elevation and rooted entirely in limestone soils—a rare and prized feature that contributes vibrant acidity, texture, and tension to the wines. This vineyard is CCOF-certified organic, and its farming is centered on promoting biodiversity, soil health, and long-term vineyard vitality.
At Piazza Family Wines, we take a minimal intervention approach in both the vineyard and the cellar. Our organic farming practices are rooted in a deep respect for the land, and we carry that philosophy through to the winery—using native fermentations when possible, avoiding additives or excessive manipulation, and allowing each wine to develop naturally. The result is a portfolio of wines that are elegant, expressive, and grounded in a European sensibility—with lower alcohols, lifted aromatics, and a strong sense of place.
We produce a thoughtful range of Rhône, Burgundian, and Italian varietals, each crafted with the intent to honor its origin and showcase its individuality. Every bottling tells a story of the land it came from and the people who tend it.
We welcome guests for intimate, by-appointment tastings at our private Ballard Canyon estate. These experiences offer a rare and personal opportunity to explore our wines in the very vineyards where they are grown—a peaceful, elevated setting in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country.
18-23
8/15/25
11/15/25
Harvest Cellar Intern - Piazza Family Wines

Are you passionate about winemaking and eager to dive into an unforgettable harvest experience? Piazza Family Wines invites you to join our small, dedicated team for the 2025 harvest season. With our focus on minimal intervention and high-quality, terroir-driven wines, you’ll be immersed in every stage of the winemaking process—learning alongside seasoned professionals in the heart of Santa Barbara County.

What You’ll Experience

-Vineyards: Work with fruit from our estate vineyards in Ballard Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills, as well as from other renowned vineyards across Santa Barbara County.
-Varietals: Chardonnay, Gruner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Graciano, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Merlot.
-Wine Styles: Traditional White and Red Wines, Sparkling Wines, Skin-Fermented Whites, and Carbonic Reds.
-Winemaking Philosophy: We embrace minimal intervention winemaking, while combining Old World techniques with New World equipment.
-Hands-on Learning: Work alongside seasoned winemakers and gain valuable insight into the winemaking process, from grape receival through fermentation to barrel management.
-Team Environment: You’ll be part of a small, collaborative and inclusive team where your ideas and contributions matter.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Harvest Cellar Intern, you’ll be at the heart of the action, assisting with every stage of winemaking, including grape sorting, fermentation monitoring, barrel management, and equipment operation. Every task you complete will directly contribute to the creation of outstanding wines.

Tasks include:

-Grape Receival and Processing: Sorting and processing grapes for fermentation.
-Equipment Operation: Using equipment such as elevators, destemmers, pumps, presses, and forklifts.
-Fermentation Monitoring: Track fermentation progress by Brix/Temp monitoring and tasting.
-Cap Management: Punch-downs, pump-overs, and foot treading.
-Barrel Activities: Cleaning, steaming, filling, racking, stirring, and topping barrels.
-Cleaning and Sanitation: Ensuring equipment and facilities are sanitized to maintain a safe, clean environment.

What We're Looking For

We’re seeking someone who brings the following qualities and skills:
-A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and an eagerness to learn.
-Prior cellar experience is a plus, but not essential.
-Enthusiasm and attention to detail.
-Ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment.
-A person who thrives on challenges, enjoys being hands-on, and remains organized in high-pressure situations.
-Effective communication skills in English, with proficiency in reading, writing, and basic math.
-Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
-Physical ability to lift 50+ pounds and perform demanding tasks in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
-Flexibility to work long hours, including weekends.
-Understanding and adherence to all safety protocols, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all team members.

What We Offer

-Compensation: $18 - $23/hour, based on experience.
-Perks: Discounts on our wines.
-Work Environment: A dynamic, supportive, and team-oriented workplace where learning and growth are a priority.
-Internship Dates: Approx. August 18, 2025 – November 14, 2025.

How to Join Us

If you're excited to gain hands-on experience in winemaking, submit your resume and cover letter today. We look forward to hearing about your passion for the craft and how you’ll contribute to our team at Piazza Family Wines.
At the facility we also produce wines for Luna Hart wines as well as some private label projects.
Tymari LoRe
7142093423

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