WHO IS HARPER’S REST?
Harper’s Rest is a small, premium estate winery in Russian River Valley. The estate winery facility is located outside Healdsburg, CA on Westside Road.
Moon Dust was first planted to Chardonnay in 1996, and Pinot Noir followed in 2007. This sandy soiled site keeps cool during the growing season in the Sebastopol Hills. There are 6 clones of Pinot Noir and 2 clones of Chardonnay, giving our winemaking team a diversity of material to vinify separately. Moon Dust is a certified organic regenerative vineyard.
Harper’s Rest sits on hallowed ground for Pinot and Chardonnay – a few hundred yards from the Russian River itself, this picturesque estate hosts 4 planted blocks of vines, the winery building, groves of ancient oak trees, and multiple hospitality spaces. There is a diversity of clones and aspects throughout the vineyard. We are converting this location to regenerative organic certification.
Our team is committed to low intervention, yet meticulous winemaking. Each of us has a passion for the tradition and craft of winemaking and a deep respect for the integrity of the fruit itself. To accomplish this low intervention vision, we will keep things very clean.
ABOUT THE JOB
Our team is seeking a seasonal collaborator for the 2026 harvest who will help with all aspects of vinification in the cellar. Our team is excited to inaugurate the state-of-the-art cellar we recently moved into, and a successful candidate will have experience with high levels of solo responsibility, as well as a team mentality. There are three full time members of the winemaking team, and we are hiring an additional three interns to help with harvest.
As an intern, you’ll be involved in every aspect of vinification, working closely with a small, dedicated winemaking team. The ideal candidate preferably brings prior harvest experience, a strong sense of initiative, and a team-first mindset. If you're excited about great wine, thoughtful winemaking, and being part of a tight-knit crew, we’d love to hear from you.
*Potential start date August 10th and potential end date October 26th depending on the course of the growing season.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/THE DAY-TO-DAY
Harvest Operations: Assist with fruit processing and sorting during harvest. Help conduct tank and bin dig-outs and support general cellar clean-up.
Fermentation and Cap Management: Perform cap management techniques, including pump-overs and punch-downs. Assist in monitoring fermentation progress and record key metrics.
Barrel & Cellar Work: Participate in barrel operations such as filling, racking, topping, transferring, and sanitation. Move barrels and assist with general cellar organization and workflow.
Sanitization & Maintenance: Clean and sanitize tanks, hoses, and winemaking equipment in accordance with winery protocols. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the cellar and production areas.
*This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and that the duties and responsibilities may change without notice.
AM I THE RIGHT FIT?
Not everyone can be a Harvest Intern. To be seriously considered for the role here is what you’ll bring:
Education/Licenses/Certifications:
Required
Highschool Diploma or GED
Must be at least 21 years of age due to the handling and/or tasting of alcoholic beverages as part of the job responsibilities, in compliance with state and federal alcohol regulations.
Experience:
Experience and an interest/passion in high-end wine and wine making
Knowledge of the winemaking process is a plus
Skills/Traits:
Punctual, reliable and honest
Able to effectively communicate in English
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions
Comfortable working in wet, slippery, dark or confined spaces
Positive “can-do” attitude/strong work ethic
Strong communication skills
Willingness to work long hours, including weekends
Reliable transportation to/from work
Physical Demands:
Lifting and Carrying: able to lift 50 lbs and perform repetitive physical tasks
Standing and Walking: this could include standing for long periods or walking for extended periods throughout the day
If after reading through this long list you’re thinking – I’m not sure if I meet 100% of these requirements, should I still apply? YES – if you embody a growth mindset, see challenges as opportunities to develop, and find smarter (not harder) ways to get the real work that matters done, you sound like our kind of candidate. Regardless of where you come from, how you identify, or the path that led you here – we want to talk to you!
Our cash compensation for this role is targeted at $22 to $24 per hour. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amounts listed above.
There are team lunches provided a few times a week; snacks and beverages are kept stocked
Team tastings and dinners are also provided every once in awhile
***We are unable to provide housing or transportation but can help point you in the right direction. You must be authorized to legally work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
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