Seasonal Fermentation Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Job Title: Winery Intern (Seasonal)

FLSA Classification/Pay Type: Non-Exempt, Hourly

Reports To: Cellar Master

Summary

William Chris Wine Company is seeking a Seasonal Winery Intern to join our production team for a temporary, paid, hands-on learning experience. This internship is designed to provide practical training and industry experience in commercial winery operations. Participants will work alongside experienced winemaking professionals while gaining exposure to harvest activities, cellar operations, laboratory processes, bottling, sanitation, and production workflows.

The Seasonal Winery Intern will assist with day-to-day winery operations while developing knowledge of the winemaking process from grape to bottle. This position is ideal for individuals seeking hands-on experience in winery production and winemaking operations. Seasonal assignments are temporary and vary based on harvest schedules, production demands, and business needs.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Assist with daily cellar operations under the direction of the Cellar Master and Winemaking Team 
• Clean and sanitize tanks, barrels, hoses, pumps, and winery equipment 
• Assist with fruit receiving, processing, and crush operations during harvest 
• Support fermentation management activities including pump overs, punch downs, and tank monitoring 
• Assist with wine transfers, racking, additions, and barrel maintenance 
• Collect samples and assist with laboratory analysis and recordkeeping 
• Support bottling line setup, operation, and cleanup 
• Maintain accurate production records as assigned 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment 
• Comply with all company safety policies, procedures, and required training 
• Properly utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required 
• Report on equipment issues, safety concerns, and production irregularities promptly 
• Assist with special projects and other production-related duties as assigned 

Requirements

Competencies

• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn 
• Positive attitude and team-oriented approach 
• Ability to follow directions and established procedures 
• Strong attention to detail 
• Effective verbal communication skills 
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and seasonal production demands 
• Interest in wine production and the wine industry 
• Commitment to workplace safety and quality standards 

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None 

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Ability to safely perform physical job duties including standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, climbing ladders, and working around winery equipment 
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds 
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions 
• Ability to work in wet environments and around cleaning and sanitizing chemicals 
• Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods 

Schedule Requirements

• Flexible schedule required 
• Overtime may be required during harvest and peak production periods 
• Weekend and extended-hour work may be required based on operational needs 
• Employment is expected to be temporary and based on seasonal production requirements 

Travel

• Occasional travel between company production facilities and vineyard sites may be      required 

Education and Experience

• Current enrollment in or completion of a degree program related to Enology, Viticulture, Fermentation Science, Food Science, Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field preferred 
• Prior winery, vineyard, agricultural, laboratory, manufacturing, or production experience is helpful but not required 
• Must be at least 18 years of age 

Work Authorization

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of Form I-9 employment eligibility verification 
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship 

Seasonal Internship and Employment Status

This is a temporary, paid seasonal position intended to support winery production and harvest activities while providing practical industry experience and training. Employment is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.

Participation in this internship does not guarantee future employment with William Chris Wine Company.