Vineyard Harvest Intern

SUMMARY 

Located in the Carneros wine region, Gloria Ferrer Winery is recognized for its high-quality, organically farmed estate sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. We're offering a Harvest Vineyard Internship that provides real-world experience in organic and sustainable estate vineyard management and winemaking. This role is ideal for passionate individuals interested in a deep dive into the practices of estate viticulture and wine production.

As a Harvest Vineyard Intern, you'll work closely with the Director of Vineyards and our vineyard team, and you'll also engage regularly with our winemaking staff. Your tasks will include sampling fruit maturity, scouting for pests, tracking plant development, and supporting our organic farming efforts. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to learn the day-to-day operations of an estate vineyard and how these operations integrate with the winemaking process.

Start Date: June 1^st (flexible with school requirements)

Finish Date: End of September, exact timing based on season or school requirements                

Hours:   Up to 50 hours/week, generally in 8-10 hour shifts, 5-6 days/week during harvest.   Pre-harvest, 40 hours/week.

Wages: $20-$25 hr. DOE

Other: The intern is responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing. XX Winery is located about 50 miles from San Francisco and 10 miles from downtown Sonoma. The working environment involves varying temperatures, from highs in the 90s to lows in the 40s, depending on the shift and weather conditions. This role requires the intern to spend a significant amount of time outdoors in the vineyard and will require they have their ow vehicle to use in the vineyards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Vineyard Sampling: During and before harvest, daily vineyard sampling is conducted to assess grape ripeness. This allows the intern to work closely with the Director of Vineyard, gaining insight into the origins and maturation of our grapes.
• Pest Scouting: The intern will learn to identify various vineyard pests, diseases, and nutritional deficiencies that could affect vine health or wine quality. This training provides valuable knowledge in managing vineyard health issues.
• Phenology Tracking: The intern will engage in tracking the annual growth cycles of grapevines, enhancing their understanding of viticulture.
• Internship Project: Interns are encouraged to undertake a project of their choice, which they will present to the leadership team at the end of their internship. This project fosters initiative and practical application of their learning.
• Additional Responsibilities: The Vineyard Intern will also help with crop estimations, irrigation and fertility planning, and sustainability projects. They will participate in activities such as spray tracking and maintaining organic certification processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The employee must be a team player, able to prioritize safety, sustainability, and quality.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Must be currently pursuing or have completed a degree in viticulture, crop science, agriculture, or a related field.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Spanish is highly beneficial.
• Previous experience working in a vineyard is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general computer usage.
• A positive attitude and a strong desire to learn are essential.
• Comfortable working around heavy machinery.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid CA driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to type, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms.

• Must be able to work outdoors in extremes of heat/humidity/cold and other inclement weather conditions
• Must be able to walk on uneven ground
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Must be able to see clearly enough to a) drive safely b) recognize employees c) identify grape color
• Must be able to work long hours and weekends when required 
• Must be able to sustain the repeated use of hands as well as long periods of standing, walking and bending

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer