Harvest Winemaking Intern

Company Description

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).

Job Description

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

Located in Paso Robles, JUSTIN® Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 and is known for crafting world- class wines using Bordeaux grape varieties, including the iconic ISOSCELES® blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The Vineyard estate, located at 11680 Chimney Rock Road, features a Tasting Room, luxury five-star accommodations at the JUST Inn®, and a Restaurant—making it one of the only wineries on the Central Coast to offer all three options.  In September 2018, a new second location, the JUSTIN Downtown Tasting Room opened introducing an expansive wine-tasting bar, lounge, and a full dining room that’s situated prominently on the square along Downtown City Park in the heart of Paso Robles. In addition to its stellar hospitality, JUSTIN consistently receives top honors around the world, establishing itself as a leader in New World Bordeaux-style winemaking. JUSTIN wines are available through discerning fine wine retailers and restaurants throughout the United States, or directly from the Winery via JUSTIN’s Tasting Room, online store or to members of the exclusive JUSTIN Wine Society wine club. To discover more about JUSTIN, visit www.justinwine.com.

The Wonderful Company is an Equality Opportunity Employer that provides opportunities for advancement. We are committed to creating a diverse workforce that embodies a deep culture of acceptance, equity, and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories.

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