Submission #5340

Launch your winemaking career by immersing yourself in harvest at JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery!

We are seeking highly motivated and detail-oriented Harvest Winemaking Interns this season! This internship offers practical experience in a dynamic rotational program, collaborating with the winemaking, cellar, and lab teams. Your role is essential in assisting all areas of harvest-related functions, from lab analysis to production operations. As a Harvest Winemaking Intern, you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience across these crucial functions while supporting all aspects of harvest.

This full-time (40-50 hours per week) internship will begin in August and conclude in November and requires flexible availability to work overtime and weekends. During the peak of harvest (typically September to October), shifts will be 12+ hours a day, 6+ days a week. Positions are based in Paso Robles, CA (Wisteria Lane facility).


Job Description

Participate in a rotational program to work with the winemaking team, the cellar team and the lab in different roles within the winery to gain exposure to hands-on winemaking techniques.

Fermentation Monitoring:

- Responsible for daily Brix and temperature DMA measurements on all active ferments in tanks and barrels
- Support the winemaking team with collecting data from VinWizard to help identify fermentation trends
- Report and communicate any discrepancies in data

Lab Support:

- Assist in obtaining juice/wine tank and barrel samples
- Perform daily harvest analysis on juice and wine including Brix, pH, TA, FSO2/TSO2, Y15 and Alcolyzer
- Responsible for the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the lab
- Record accurate lab records in winemaking database

Harvest Cellar Operations:

- Assist the cellar team with processing fruit, cap management (punchdowns and pumpovers), transfers, ingredient additions and inoculation, draining and pressing, and other production duties throughout harvest
- Adhere to department and company policies, procedures and safety standards
- Support the production and winemaking team with their duties and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

- Possessing a degree (or currently enrolled) in Wine & Viticulture, Agriculture, or a related program or a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in a similar role
- If still enrolled in classes (including online classes), willingness to take time off from school during the internship is required
- Must be at least 18 years of age or older
- Verbal and written English skills required; Spanish is a plus
- Full-time availability and flexible to work varying shifts, overtime, and weekends
- Ability to lift 50 pounds, walk/stand for long periods of time in hot and cold climates
- Possess a positive attitude, strong communication skills, and be detail-oriented
- Ability to work comfortably independently and in a team environment
- Ability to establish direction, obtain commitment and execute appropriate production processes
- Solution-driven and willing to make timely and accurate decisions

Pay Rate: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour, plus overtime pay. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills and experience.