Napa Winemaking Internship

Title: Harvest Cellar Intern

Employer: Blackbird Vineyards

Employment Location: Napa, CA

Company Description: Premium Napa Valley winery crafting exceptional wines focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Type: Seasonal F/T

Pay Scale: DOE

Employment Start Date: August 2025

Employment End Date: November or December, pending harvest

Job Description:

Blackbird Vineyards is seeking enthusiastic and hardworking interns to join our 2025 harvest team. If you are passionate about wine, not afraid to get dirty, and willing to work long hours, we’re excited to show you how to craft amazing wines. This is a unique opportunity for individuals with backgrounds in restaurants, food service, baking, or STEM to transition their skills to the world of winemaking but everyone is encouraged to apply. This is a basic cellar introduction with some lab work available to those interested.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Fruit processing
Punchdowns
Pumpovers
Additions
Pressing
Fermentation monitoring
Lab analysis (no science background necessary, we will train if needed)
Routine cleaning and sanitation of equipment and work areas
Maintaining accurate records and reports
Participating in sensory evaluations and quality control tasks

Qualifications:

Experience in restaurants, food service, baking, or a scientific field preferred
Passion for winemaking and a strong desire to learn
Ability to work long hours, including weekends and holidays, during peak harvest times
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions
Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform tasks that require standing, bending, and lifting
Reliable transportation to and from the winery
Must be at least 21 years old
US citizen with a valid US driver’s license and access to reliable transportation or approved VISA status and transport
High School or equivalent education
Previous harvest/winery experience is preferred but not required
Accuracy with numbers and strong recordkeeping skills
Basic computer proficiency

Work Environment:

Exposure to loud noises, wet surfaces, varying temperatures, dust, fumes, toxic chemicals, and operating mechanical equipment
Must be able to climb stairs, stoop, bend, and lift
Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time
Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with valid disabilities to perform the necessary job functions

Benefits:

Hands-on experience in a prestigious winery known for quality and innovation
Mentorship from experienced winemaking professionals
Competitive hourly wage and possible overtime
Opportunity to network with industry professionals
Potential for future employment opportunities

How to Apply:
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position and any relevant experience with the subject line "Harvest Intern Application - [Your Name]".

Contact Info:

Contact Address: 831 Latour Court, Suite C, Napa, CA 94558
Contact Website: http://www.blackbirdvineyards.com

Join us at Blackbird Vineyards for an unforgettable harvest experience and take the first step towards a rewarding career in winemaking!