Balletto Vineyards is searching for a seasonal winemaking intern for Harvest 2024. The intern will spend most mornings walking vineyards in the Russian River Valley – from the Sebastopol Hills to Laguna Ridge and the Santa Rosa Plains. In the afternoons, the intern will work directly with the assistant winemaker, cellar master and winemaker to analyze, track and document all lots, including those from custom crush clients. There will be regular opportunities for the intern to taste through fermenting and aging lots, as well as to learn from the custom crush winemakers.

Start date will likely be early June. The internship will extend into November or possibly later, depending on the growing season. On-site housing is a possibility but not confirmed yet, and lunch is provided every other day during harvest. Snacks included!

The winemaking intern is expected to work directly with the winemaking team in the lab and vineyards performing the following duties:
•  Daily walking of vineyards for crop estimation and maturity sampling, while reporting any issues seen in the vineyards
•  Daily analysis on grape/juice/wine samples – FOSS, Brix, pH, FSO2, enzymatic (G/F, malic)
•  Monitoring and tracking barrel and tank fermentations
•  Maintaining spreadsheets and inputting data into winery management software (InnoVint)
•  Performing inoculations and additions, including those for custom crush clients
•  Maintaining a clean and organized lab and chemical inventory room
•  Occasionally helping cellar team when time allows – grape processing, barrel work, cap management, etc.

Applicants should have a basic knowledge of viticulture and winemaking, and a desire to continue learning more. Additionally, a valid driver’s license is required to drive to our vineyard sites using a company vehicle. Occasionally, the intern will be required to lift 50 lbs. Applicants must have a willingness to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk through steep vineyards and work overtime/weekends through peak harvest.

Balletto Vineyards is one of the few 100% estate-grown and estate-bottled wineries in the Russian River Valley. The family-owned winery sources all its fruit from its own vineyards and specializes in Russian River Valley AVA and vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are consistently elegant, balanced and delicious.