Seasonal Harvest Cellar Team

Harvest Cellar Intern

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

• 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

• 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

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

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