Harvest Intern/Production Assistant
Turley Wine Cellars, Templeton (Paso Robles)

POSITION OVERVIEW
Turley Wine Cellars is hiring a Production Assistant to be an integral member of our small, dedicated team for a hands-on, “vineyard to bottle” role. Working directly alongside our Winemaker, the Production Assistant supports the daily operations of Turley’s estate property, spanning viticulture, winemaking, and cellar operations. In addition to ensuring the efficient, safe, and high-quality production of wine, this role supports the logistical needs of the estate property and tasting room - from wine movement and inventory to wine educational presentations and participation at industry events. Collaboration, attention to detail, and ability to take on increasing levels of responsibility as technical skill set and industry knowledge grow are essential.

This is a temporary position that has the potential to convert to full-time employment based on performance and business needs upon completion of the internship term. Preference will be given to those with prior winery experience and graduating seniors from a four-year university with a Wine/Viticulture degree seeking to expand their career opportunities and make a significant impact within a small, estate-driven winery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Winemaking/Cellar:
-Execute wine production activities from crush through bottling
-Perform cellar work including barrel handling, forklift operation, inventory movement, and winery logistics
-Maintain winery hygiene, safety, and production standards
-Support bottling operations, data entry, and cellar recordkeeping
-Assist across all production areas during harvest

Laboratory/Compliance:
-Conduct light laboratory and quality control work
-Maintain accurate records, lab protocols, and experimental trial documentation
-Assist with Federal, state, and local compliance requirements

Viticulture:
-Support organic vineyard practices: pruning, tying, suckering, irrigation, pest control, and frost protection
-Assist with vineyard data collection, analysis, and reporting
-Support harvest sampling, grape procurement, and harvest execution
-Supervise and support contract labor crews as needed

Operations/Logistics:
-Coordinate safety programs, OSHA compliance, and injury reporting
-Assist with equipment purchases, supply ordering, and estate facility needs
-Support shipping and receiving, case goods inventory, and forklift operations
-Provide logistical support for retail operations
-Represent Turley at industry and wine-related events as needed

QUALIFICATIONS
-Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture, Enology, AgBusiness, or related field
-2 to 4 years of relevant vineyard, cellar, or winery experience
-Background in organic farming and sustainable viticulture strongly preferred
-Experience with laboratory procedures, data collection, and analysis
-Proficiency in Microsoft 365, AgCode, and similar reporting systems
-Strong sensory evaluation skills
-Ability to communicate clearly in English; conversational Spanish preferred
-Valid driver’s license; insurable under company policy
-Forklift certification and QAC license required (or ability and willingness to obtain)
-Strong work ethic, self-directed, organized, and collaborative
-Willingness to work extended hours during harvest
-Commitment to safety, cleanliness, quality, and accurate recordkeeping
-Authorized to work and currently live in the US; reside within local area or able to obtain housing

Physical Requirements
-Stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods
-Lift and move up to 60 pounds
-Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions
-Work at heights, on uneven terrain, and in cool cellar or warehouse environments
-Travel to estate vineyards as needed, including occasional weekends
-All work is required to be performed at the winery

Compensation:
$25-$30 DOE
Full-time, Temporary, Nonexempt

About Turley
Since 1993, Turley Wine Cellars has been a pioneer of old-vine Zinfandel and organic farming in California. As a family owned winery with roots in Napa Valley and Paso Robles, we make over 50 wines from historic vineyards across the state, primarily Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, with many vines dating back to the late 1800s. Through our commitment to organic farming, heritage vineyards, authentic hospitality, and equitable relationships with our employees, growers, members and communities, Turley aims to both create and preserve California’s unique winemaking culture.