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Winemaking Harvest Internship

Donelan Family Wines

Santa Rosa, CA

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Job Description:

We are a small producer based in Santa Rosa making premium wines, from Chardonnay and Rhone Whites to Pinot Noir, Cab, and Rhone Reds, with a focus on Estate Syrah (which just earned back-to-back 100-point scores from Decanter and Antonio Galloni's Vinous).

We offer a complete harvest experience. Team members will have the opportunity to visit and work in some of the 15+ vineyard blocks we source from throughout the county. We spend the majority of our time in the winery, which is fully equipped to make the most of the exceptional fruit we receive. Cellar tasks include barrel work, sanitizing equipment and bins, monitoring fermentation progress, pumping, punchdowns, pumpovers, fruit sorting, sample processing, and everything else involved in producing wine at a premium level.

The position starts in early to mid-August depending on the applicant's availability and wraps up in late October to early November depending on the vintage.

Workdays start at 8 hours at the beginning of the season and extend to 12-plus hours as harvest peaks. A typical harvest day runs 10 to 11 hours, with one scheduled day off per week.

A typical day in the cellar will involve you in all aspects of the winemaking process, making this an ideal role for a candidate eager to learn high-end winemaking or looking to sharpen existing skills. We offer a true internship with the goal of teaching and sharing winemaking and grape-growing knowledge and techniques for those who want to continue in this field. For someone with the right experience, aptitude, and drive to learn, this role can extend beyond the cellar into the vineyards and lab as well.

We work hard and we work professionally, but we like to have fun and enjoy what we do. Expect good music, wine tastings, and cold beer at the end of the day. We also keep an espresso machine fired up and stocked with beans to keep everyone moving through long harvest days. We foster an environment of camaraderie, encourage questions, and take pride in being a launchpad for your next step in the industry.

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**Job Requirements**
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Available to work August/September through November, including evenings and weekends
- Reliable transportation
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to climb stairs, stoop, bend, and lift
- Ability to stand or sit for extended periods
- Eligible to work legally in the US
- Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English

*This is a seasonal position.*

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**Additional Traits We Look For**
- Previous harvest experience is a plus, but not required
- Enthusiasm and curiosity
- Sense of humor
- Team player
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail

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**Compensation:** $20 to $23/hour DOE

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Winemaker David Milner.

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Additional Information:

Job Posted:
Tuesday, May 19th
Type of Work:
Harvest Help
Job Level:
Internship/Seasonal
Compensation:
$19.OO ‍−‌ $23.OO

Contact Information:

Donelan Family Wines
David Milner