Harvest Cellar Intern - Piazza Family Wines

Are you passionate about winemaking and eager to dive into an unforgettable harvest experience? Piazza Family Wines invites you to join our small, dedicated team for the 2025 harvest season. With our focus on minimal intervention and high-quality, terroir-driven wines, you’ll be immersed in every stage of the winemaking process—learning alongside seasoned professionals in the heart of Santa Barbara County.

What You’ll Experience

-Vineyards: Work with fruit from our estate vineyards in Ballard Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills, as well as from other renowned vineyards across Santa Barbara County.
-Varietals: Chardonnay, Gruner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Graciano, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Merlot.
-Wine Styles: Traditional White and Red Wines, Sparkling Wines, Skin-Fermented Whites, and Carbonic Reds.
-Winemaking Philosophy: We embrace minimal intervention winemaking, while combining Old World techniques with New World equipment.
-Hands-on Learning: Work alongside seasoned winemakers and gain valuable insight into the winemaking process, from grape receival through fermentation to barrel management.
-Team Environment: You’ll be part of a small, collaborative and inclusive team where your ideas and contributions matter.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Harvest Cellar Intern, you’ll be at the heart of the action, assisting with every stage of winemaking, including grape sorting, fermentation monitoring, barrel management, and equipment operation. Every task you complete will directly contribute to the creation of outstanding wines.

Tasks include:

-Grape Receival and Processing: Sorting and processing grapes for fermentation.
-Equipment Operation: Using equipment such as elevators, destemmers, pumps, presses, and forklifts.
-Fermentation Monitoring: Track fermentation progress by Brix/Temp monitoring and tasting.
-Cap Management: Punch-downs, pump-overs, and foot treading.
-Barrel Activities: Cleaning, steaming, filling, racking, stirring, and topping barrels.
-Cleaning and Sanitation: Ensuring equipment and facilities are sanitized to maintain a safe, clean environment.

What We're Looking For

We’re seeking someone who brings the following qualities and skills:
-A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and an eagerness to learn.
-Prior cellar experience is a plus, but not essential.
-Enthusiasm and attention to detail.
-Ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment.
-A person who thrives on challenges, enjoys being hands-on, and remains organized in high-pressure situations.
-Effective communication skills in English, with proficiency in reading, writing, and basic math.
-Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
-Physical ability to lift 50+ pounds and perform demanding tasks in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
-Flexibility to work long hours, including weekends.
-Understanding and adherence to all safety protocols, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all team members.

What We Offer

-Compensation: $18 - $23/hour, based on experience.
-Perks: Discounts on our wines.
-Work Environment: A dynamic, supportive, and team-oriented workplace where learning and growth are a priority.
-Internship Dates: Approx. August 18, 2025 – November 14, 2025.

How to Join Us

If you're excited to gain hands-on experience in winemaking, submit your resume and cover letter today. We look forward to hearing about your passion for the craft and how you’ll contribute to our team at Piazza Family Wines.