Harvest Winemaking Intern

Harvest Winemaking Intern

JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is located in the heart of Paso Robles on California's Central Coast. For more than three decades, we have been dedicated to crafting world-class Bordeaux-style wines that reflect the region's unique soils and climate. Our approach blends Old World tradition with New World innovation, supported by a passionate and highly skilled production and cellar team.

Launch your winemaking career by immersing yourself fully in the harvest season at JUSTIN. We are seeking a motivated, detail-driven, and process-minded Harvest Winemaking Intern to join our team for the 2026 vintage. This role offers meaningful, hands-on experience working closely with our Winemaking, Production, and highly experienced Cellar team. You will play a critical role in daily harvest operations, fermentation monitoring, lab analysis, and continuous process improvement.

This position is based at our Wisteria Lane production facility in Paso Robles. During harvest, extended shifts, overtime, and weekend work are required, especially during peak production months (August–November).

Winemaking, Cellar & Lab Rotations

Engage in a structured rotation across winemaking, cellar, and laboratory functions to gain comprehensive exposure to hands-on winemaking and winery operations. Work alongside seasoned cellar professionals who value teamwork, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.

Fermentation Monitoring

• Responsible for daily Brix and temperature DMA measurements on all active ferments in tank and barrel.
• Collect and organize fermentation trend data from VinWizard for winemaker review.
• Assist with fermentation cap management and pumpover/PulsAir schedule.
• Identify, report, and communicate any data discrepancies promptly.

Laboratory Support

• Obtain juice and wine samples from tanks and barrels.
• Conduct daily analytical work including Brix, pH, TA and alcohol testing.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready laboratory environment daily.
• Enter accurate analytical results in the winemaking database.

Harvest Cellar Operations

Work shoulder-to-shoulder with a strong, dedicated cellar team known for high standards, professional execution, and a collaborative mindset.

• Support fruit processing, pump-overs, punch-downs, cap management, inoculations, transfers, and press operations.
• Perform ingredient additions and assist with all aspects of harvest-related cellar work.
• Uphold strict adherence to safety protocols, sanitation standards, and operational procedures.
• Contribute to ongoing process improvement efforts by identifying efficiencies and supporting optimized workflows.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a viticulture, enology, or related degree program OR 1–2 years of relevant winery or cellar experience
• Full-time availability and flexible to work varying shifts, overtime, and weekends
• Strong cellar aptitude with a desire to refine technical hands-on skills
• Demonstrated initiative, strong work ethic, and a positive attitude under fast-paced, high-pressure conditions
• A solutions-focused mindset with the ability to make timely, accurate decisions
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment committed to continuous learning and improvement
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, work on your feet for extended periods, and safely perform physical cellar tasks

Pay Rate: $20.00 - $22.00 an hour. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.

Additional Information

• Wine and Merchandise Discounts
• All the FIJI water you can drink at work
• Wine Education Program
• Fun Work Environment