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Winemaking Intern Jobs in Rutherford, CA (NOW HIRING)

CHANDON California

Harvest Internship 2026

Yountville, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Pay Rate: $20 - $25/hr plus overtime Seasonal, Full Tim e Yountville, CA (on-site mode) Kickstart your winemaking career during our 2026 Harvest Season with exciting roles that offer competitive pay ...

CHANDON California

Harvest Internship 2026

Yountville, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Pay Rate: $20 - $25/hr plus overtime Seasonal, Full Tim e Yountville, CA (on-site mode) Kickstart your winemaking career during our 2026 Harvest Season with exciting roles that offer competitive pay ...

CHANDON California

Harvest Internship 2026

Yountville, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Pay Rate: $20 - $25/hr plus overtime Seasonal, Full Tim e Yountville, CA (on-site mode) Kickstart your winemaking career during our 2026 Harvest Season with exciting roles that offer competitive pay ...

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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 Jun 12, 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.

How much money do wine tasters make?

Wine tasters, or sommeliers and sensory analysts, typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Winemaking interns usually earn lower wages or stipends, often ranging from minimum wage to around $15 per hour, as they are gaining industry experience rather than full-time professionals.

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 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 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 highest paying wine jobs?

High-paying wine jobs include roles such as winemaker, vineyard manager, and wine director, which often require extensive experience, specialized skills, and sometimes advanced certifications. These positions typically offer higher salaries due to their responsibility for wine production, quality control, and strategic management within wineries or wine companies.

Is winemaking a good career?

Winemaking is a specialized career that involves skills in fermentation, chemistry, and sensory analysis. It can be rewarding for those passionate about wine production, but it often requires long hours, physical work, and entry-level positions may have lower pay. Career advancement typically involves gaining experience, certifications, and working in vineyards or wineries.

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.

Do winemakers make good money?

Winemakers can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and the size of the winery. Entry-level winemaking interns typically earn modest stipends or hourly wages, while experienced winemakers or those in managerial roles can earn significantly higher salaries, often exceeding $60,000 annually. Compensation also depends on skills such as fermentation science and vineyard management.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 4% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,646 per year, or $20 per hour.
Seasonal Harvest Cellar Team

Seasonal Harvest Cellar Team

Boisset Collection

Sonoma, CA • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position Summary: 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 amp; 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 amp; Cellar Operations
 Oper 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 amp; 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 amp; Teamwork
 As 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 amp; 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
Education, Experience, Certificates, Licenses:
 High School diploma or GED; or 1-3 months related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
 Current, valid Driver’s License, insurable driving record, and proof of current automobile insurance may be required.
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. (Note: PPE provided for all workers.)
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

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