Vineyard & Enology Harvest Intern (2026)

SUMMARY 

Gloria Ferrer Winery, an award-winning Carneros estate winery known for high-quality, traditional method sparkling wines from certified organic estate vineyards, is seeking a highly motivated Vineyard & Enology Harvest Intern for a full-season, immersive experience. The internship is structured in two phases, an early-season vineyard focus that transitions into harvest and post-harvest winery operations, providing end-to-end exposure from fruit development through winemaking execution. This hands-on, team-based role supports vineyard monitoring and sampling, then shifts to cellar and lab work including analysis, fermentation tracking, and production support. Designed as a strong stepping stone toward a future role in viticulture, enology, or assistant winemaking, the internship also includes a guided project that will be presented to company leadership.

Start Date: Mid- June (flexible with school requirements)

Finish Date: Late October (season dependent)

Wages: $21 - $25 per hour, DOE

Other: The intern is responsible for securing their own housing and transportation. XX is located approximately 50 miles from San Francisco and about 10 miles from downtown Sonoma. This role includes working in varying conditions and temperatures—ranging from the 90s during warm days to the 40s during cooler mornings/evenings—depending on the shift and weather. A reliable personal vehicle is required, as the intern will need to travel regularly between the winery and vineyard sites.

INTERNSHIP PROJECT

This internship includes a project designed to provide real-world experience and professional development. The intern will partner with the Winemaker and Vineyard Director to select a project aligned with their interests and current winery/vineyard priorities. Leadership will provide guidance and oversight throughout the process. Upon completion, the intern will present the final project and key learnings to the company leadership team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Phase 1 – Viticulture Focus (Mid-June to Early Harvest)

• Scout vineyards for pests and disease; identify and report vineyard health concerns.
• Track vineyard phenology and seasonal vine development.
• Support irrigation scheduling and water management decisions.
• Assist with crop estimation and yield forecasting.
• Collect routine fruit maturity samples and help track results.
• Support fertility planning, sustainability initiatives, spray record tracking, and organic documentation (as applicable).

Phase 2 – Enology Focus (Harvest through November)

• Collect vineyard samples to evaluate harvest readiness.
• Perform lab analyses and fermentation monitoring, including Brix, pH, TA, SO₂, VA, and other routing metrics.
• Assist with fermentation management, including documentation and work order support.
• Participate in daily tastings and fermentation evaluations; communicate observations to the team.
• Support barrel work, blending trials, stabilization efforts, malolactic tracking, and related recordkeeping.
• Assist with cellar operations as needed, including sanitation, pump overs, additions, transfers and barrel filling.

Other Responsibilities 

• Support and model Gloria Ferrer culture and standards in all interactions, including ethical conduct and compliance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Be available to work weekends as scheduled, with extended hours during harvest as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to carry out the essential duties listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The ideal candidate is a strong team player who prioritizes safety, sustainability, and quality.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Viticulture, Enology, Plant/Crop Science, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Fluent in English (Spanish a plus).
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel required).
• Prior vineyard or winery harvest experience preferred.
• Must be comfortable working with winery equipment in laboratory, cellar and vineyard.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures accurately.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between vineyard and wintery sites in a timely manner.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

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

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods, walk, talk, and hear. The role also involves frequent use of hands to operate computers and provide food and beverage service.

• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions (heat, cold, wind) and on uneven terrain.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work long hours and weekends during harvest.
• Comfortable working around tractors, forklifts, pumps, hoses, and winery machinery (with training and safety protocols).
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb stairs/ladders as needed, and use hands for extended periods (sampling, lab work, cellar tasks, and computer work).

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer