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Winemaking Intern Jobs in Rutherford, CA (NOW HIRING)

Duckhorn Wine Company

Harvest Cellar Intern

Windsor, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

The Duckhorn Portfolio is North America's premier luxury wine company. We were established in 1976 ... The Harvest Cellar Intern is an integral part of the winemaking process during the harvest season.

Winery Division

Harvest Intern

Napa, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

We have a beautiful LEED Gold certified facility, modern equipment, and provide training that will prepare the novice winemaker for future success. You will work with the five main Bordeaux varietals ...

Duckhorn Wine Company

Harvest Cellar Intern

Napa, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

The Duckhorn Portfolio is North America's premier luxury wine company. We were established in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn. Today, our portfolio features some of North America's most revered ...

All JobsWinemaking Intern JobsWinemaking Intern Jobs in Rutherford, CA

Winemaking Intern information

See Rutherford, CA salary details

$10

$20

$28

How much do winemaking intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for winemaking intern in Rutherford, CA is $20.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a winemaking intern do?

A Winemaking Intern assists winemakers with various tasks throughout the wine production process, from grape harvesting to bottling. Their duties often include cleaning and sanitizing equipment, monitoring fermentation, sampling wines, recording data, and helping with laboratory analyses. Interns gain hands-on experience and learn about the entire winemaking process, working closely with experienced professionals. The role provides valuable insight for those interested in pursuing a career in the wine industry.

What types of hands-on tasks can I expect to perform as a winemaking intern during harvest season?

As a Winemaking Intern during harvest, you'll be involved in a variety of practical tasks such as grape sorting, monitoring fermentations, sampling juice and wine, performing pump-overs, cleaning equipment, and assisting with bottling and cellar operations. This role is physically demanding and fast-paced, especially during harvest, offering valuable exposure to every step of the winemaking process. You'll work closely with cellar staff and winemakers, gaining firsthand experience and building a strong foundation for future roles in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a winemaking intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Winemaking Intern, you need a basic understanding of viticulture, fermentation processes, and laboratory techniques, often supported by coursework in enology or a related field. Familiarity with winery equipment, data recording systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and effective teamwork make an intern stand out in this hands-on environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring quality wine production, maintaining safety standards, and contributing positively to the winemaking team.

What is the difference between Winemaking Intern vs Winemaker Assistant?

AspectWinemaking InternWinemaker Assistant
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in enology or viticultureSome experience or training in winemaking, often with hands-on work
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, seasonalAssists in production, more involved in daily operations
Industry UsageEntry-level position for students or early careerSupport role within winery teams, more responsibility

While both roles involve working in wineries and require knowledge of winemaking processes, a Winemaking Intern is typically a student or recent graduate gaining foundational experience. A Winemaker Assistant has more practical experience and takes on greater responsibilities in the production process.

What cities near Rutherford, CA are hiring for Winemaking Intern jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, CA with the most Winemaking Intern job openings:

Winemaking Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Winemaking Intern job openings in Rutherford, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, 1% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,646 per year, or $20 per hour.

Harvest Cellar Intern

Duckhorn Wine Company

Windsor, CA • On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

The Duckhorn Portfolio is North America’s premier luxury wine company. We were established in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn. Today, our portfolio features some of North America’s most revered wineries, including Duckhorn Vineyards, Decoy, Goldeneye, Kosta Browne, Calera, Greenwing, Paraduxx, Migration, Canvasback, and Postmark. 

Our passionate and dedicated cellar team at Sonoma-Cuter is looking for harvest cellar interns to join for Harvest 2026. The Harvest Cellar Intern is an integral part of the winemaking process during the harvest season.This intemship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a worker cellar environment, working closely with experienced winemakers and cellar staff. The primary focus of the role is to support the day-to-day operations for the cellar during the busy harvest season.

What we will ask you to do:

  • Clean and chemically sanitize equipment, tanks, and surfaces.
  • Perform grape receiving and processing operations.
  • Perform cap management of red wines (pumpovers, both manual and pneumatic punchdowns).
  • Make additions to musts and wines.
  • Prepare and pitch inoculations.
  • Monitor fermentation kinetics.
  • Perform wine and must movements.
  • Perform barrel work, e.g., preparation, filling.
  • Conduct grape cluster sampling in the vineyard.
  • Conduct sampling of current- and past-vintage wine lots in barrel.
  • Perform basic juice analysis.
  • Complete other winery projects and tasks as needed. 

What you will need:

  • Valid driver's license and clean DMV record.
  • Must have a positive attitude and be reliable, on-time, and engaged.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule based on production demands: early mornings, extended overtime hours (up to 12+ hours during peak season), and up to six days per week.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to maintain accurate records.
  • Strong reading, writing, and basic math skills.  
  • Excellent verbal communication skills in English; Spanish is a plus.
  • Forklift operation skills are a plus.
  • Ability to meet the necessary physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation, (including lifting and/or carrying up to 50 lbs., continuous walking and standing, performing repetitive and/or forceful manual tasks from various body positions, climbing, stooping, and reaching).
  • Ability to work in open and covered outdoor environments, rain or shine.
  • Ability and willingness to follow all company safety policies and procedures.

What we will provide:

  • The hourly range for this position is $21-$25/hr. (DOE).
  • Discounts on wine and merchandise. 
  • Sick time accrual.
  • A diverse team of coworkers that care about each other in a fun, exciting work environment.
  • A company that promotes from within, provides great training and development programs and opportunities.