Harvest Assistant Winemaker

NW Wine Company — Willamette Valley, Oregon

Position Overview
NW Wine Company is looking for a hands-on, motivated Harvest Assistant Winemaker to join our winemaking team for the upcoming harvest.
This position will play an important role in our harvest operations, with a primary focus on pressing and processing fruit, beginning with white wines and rosé and transitioning to red wine pressing as harvest progresses. The Assistant Winemaker will work closely with the winemakers and Cellar Operations Managers, taking direction from the winemaking team while helping coordinate a small group of harvest interns.

This is a very hands-on position suited to someone who enjoys being on the cellar floor, working with equipment, solving problems, and being part of a busy harvest team. It is an opportunity to gain experience in a high-volume, quality-focused winery while working alongside an experienced winemaking team. We have 6 presses of different sizes and manufacturers so a lot of opportunities to learn and grow.

NW Wine Company is also a custom crush facility, working with a wide range of wineries and winemakers throughout the Willamette Valley and beyond. This creates a unique environment where different winemaking approaches, ideas, and experiences come together, making the winery a great place to learn, exchange ideas, and gain exposure to a variety of winemaking styles.

There is potential for this position to transition into a full-time role after harvest for the right candidate who demonstrates strong technical skills, reliability, initiative, and is a good fit with our team.

Primary Responsibilities
•  Manage and operate the winery presses throughout harvest.
•  Coordinate the pressing and processing of white wines and rosé, transitioning to red wine pressing as harvest progresses.
•  Follow instructions and winemaking decisions from the winemakers and Cellar Operations Managers.
•  Ensure fruit is processed efficiently and according to winemaking specifications.
•  Monitor press cycles and make adjustments as directed.
•  Coordinate movement of fruit and juice between receiving, pressing, tanks, and other cellar areas.
•  Keep the press area clean, organized, and operating safely.
•  Perform routine cleaning and sanitation of presses, hoses, pumps, and other cellar equipment.
•  Help troubleshoot equipment or process issues and communicate problems promptly to the winemaking and cellar management teams.
•  Assist with other cellar operations as needed, particularly during periods of high harvest activity.
•  Help train, direct, and coordinate a small team of harvest interns working with the pressing operation.
•  Maintain a safe and organized work environment and follow all winery safety procedures.
•  Accurately complete required harvest records and documentation.
•  Communicate clearly with winemakers, cellar managers, and other members of the production team.

Red Wine Pressing
As harvest progresses, the position will transition from primarily white wine pressing to red wine pressing. Responsibilities may include:
•  Operating and managing the press for red wines.
•  Coordinating red wine pressing with the winemaking team.
•  Monitoring press cycles and communicating observations or issues to the winemakers.
•  Assisting with transfers and other cellar work associated with pressing.
•  Maintaining cleanliness and organization of the press area throughout the busiest periods of harvest.

Leadership & Team Responsibilities
The Harvest Assistant Winemaker will have several interns working alongside them and will be expected to provide day-to-day direction and support.
This includes:
•  Assigning tasks and keeping interns productive throughout the day.
•  Demonstrating proper equipment operation and cellar procedures.
•  Making sure work is completed safely and correctly.
•  Communicating priorities from the winemakers and Cellar Operations Managers.
•  Helping create a positive, respectful, and productive harvest environment.

Qualifications
•  Previous winery, cellar, or harvest experience preferred.
•  Experience operating a wine press is a strong plus.
•  Formal education in winemaking, viticulture, or a related field is preferred but not required.
•  Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality wine.
•  Comfortable working with pumps, presses, hoses, tanks, and other cellar equipment.
•  Able to work independently while also taking direction from the winemaking team.
•  Good communication and organizational skills.
•  Comfortable supervising and working alongside interns and seasonal staff.
•  Willingness to work long and variable hours during harvest, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
•  Able to work in a physically demanding environment and safely lift, move, and handle equipment and materials.
•  Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to jump in wherever needed.

What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who is hands-on, dependable, curious, and team-oriented. We are looking for someone who takes pride in doing things well, communicates clearly, and can stay calm and organized when harvest gets busy.
This role requires someone who is comfortable being on their feet and working hard, but who also wants to understand the winemaking process and take on increasing responsibility.

Position Details
•  Position: Harvest Assistant Winemaker
•  Location: NW Wine Company, Willamette Valley, Oregon
•  Employment: Seasonal / Harvest
•  Schedule: Full-time during harvest; schedule will vary based on fruit intake and production needs
•  Potential: Opportunity for a full-time position following harvest based on performance, experience, and fit within the team