Assistant Winemaker
Aridus Wine Company | Willcox, Arizona
2026 Seasonal Harvest Position
Potential Full-Time Permanent Opportunity

Aridus Wine Company is seeking a 2026 seasonal harvest Assistant Winemaker to join our production team in Willcox, Arizona. This position supports the Head Winemaker in all phases of wine production, from harvest and fermentation through barrel aging, blending, and bottling, with the potential for this role to become a full-time permanent position.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, detail-oriented, organized, and eager to grow in both technical winemaking and cellar leadership. This role requires someone comfortable working in a fast-paced winery environment, assisting with daily production needs, maintaining accurate records, and supporting overall wine quality and consistency.

Responsibilities include assisting with fermentation monitoring, punch-downs, pump-overs, rackings, blending, bottling, barrel work, topping, SO2 management, sanitation, grape intake, pressing, inoculations, and harvest tracking. The Assistant Winemaker will also help perform basic lab tests, prepare samples for tasting trials, maintain cellar and lab cleanliness, and support accurate inventory and production records using winery software such as InnoVint.

During harvest, this position will assist with grape receiving, sorting, pressing, Brix and temperature readings, fermentation tracking, and helping train or lead seasonal harvest staff and interns.

Qualified candidates should have 1–3 years of winery or harvest experience. Coursework or a degree in Enology, Viticulture, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should be familiar with basic winery equipment, cellar safety, sanitation practices, and wine production workflows. Forklift experience is a plus, but we are willing to train the right person.

This is a physical, hands-on role. Candidates must be able to lift 50 pounds, climb ladders, work in varying temperatures, and perform cellar tasks safely and efficiently.

The Assistant Winemaker reports to the Head Winemaker and works closely with the cellar team, lab staff, seasonal interns, and occasionally the tasting room team as needed. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain meaningful harvest and production experience while growing with a quality-focused Arizona winery.

Aridus Wine Company is an equal opportunity employer.