HARVEST WINEMAKING INTERN 2023

Thumbprint Cellars is a winery and custom crush in the heart of Sonoma’s Alexander Valley seeking driven, enthusiastic winemaking interns for this year’s harvest. This is a seasonal, hourly position, beginning in August 2023 and lasting through harvest (typically early November). This is a dynamic position which will provide valuable experience in the cellar as well as an opportunity to work with numerous varietals, and winemaking styles. We are a very small team and focus on small lot wines. This gives you the opportunity to do it all. In addition to Thumbprint we house four other brands, and interns will be exposed to both conventional and low-intervention winemaking techniques. If you have interest in small-lot winemaking of varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Barbera, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Arneis, Grenache Blanc, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Merlot, etc. then this is the job for you.

Our ideal candidates should have an interest in and high capacity for learning new things. They should be fascinated by wine, have or be willing to develop a critical palate, and above all be enthusiastic about working hard to create great wine! A love of loud music and cold beer is a plus.

Job Overview:

The Harvest Intern will be working closely with the Associate Winemaker in making a great vintage happen! Opportunities for both cellar and laboratory work are available, and we involve interns in every aspect of the winemaking process, from tasting fermentations to managing maceration and the harvest decision-making process.

Cellar Duties (including, but not limited to):

● Taste and smell wine and juice critically.
● Perform additions to wine and must.
● Receive and process fruit, sorting, pressing, etc.
● Perform manual punch downs, pump-overs.
● Monitor brix and temperature as needed.
● Rack juice, and wine.
● Fill, top, and stir barrels.
● Dig out red wine tanks.
● Operate crusher/destemmer, press, conveyor, and pump.
● General cleaning and sanitization of winery and winery equipment.
● Forklift operation.
● Other duties as needed.

Laboratory Duties:

● Run lab tests such as pH, TA, FSO2, Malic, YAN, VA, and GLU/FRU.
● Document of analyses and additions neatly and accurately.
● Keep track of lab inventory, prepare reagents, calibrate and maintain lab equipment.
● Keeping the laboratory environment organized, safe, and tidy.
● Keep track of maturity parameters by analyzing grapes and juice.
● Play some good tunes!

Desired Qualifications/Abilities:

● Cellar/Laboratory experience and/or winemaking and viticulture education.
● Ability to perform the physical demands of cellar work—ability to lift up to 70lbs and carry/walk with up to 50lbs.
● Bending, stooping, and climbing.

● Ability to work long hours/weekends in a fast-paced, physically and mentally demanding workplace. Typical shifts during harvest are about 10 hrs during busy periods and can be up to 12 hrs on the busiest days.

● Passion for wine and winemaking, and a strong desire to develop one’s knowledge and palate.

● Valid Driver’s License required.
● Must be 21 years of age or older.

Compensation:
$20-$24 Dependent on experience + Overtime

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount

Schedule:

Day shift
Holidays
Monday to Friday
Overtime
Weekends as needed

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: In person

Thumbprint Cellars jobs

Harvest Winery Worker Cellar / Lab