Harvest Winemaking Intern
Paso Robles Wine Region | Seasonal Harvest Opportunity
United Staffing Associates is partnering with a respected custom crush winery in the renowned Paso Robles wine region to recruit a Harvest Winemaking Intern for the upcoming harvest season.
This is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring winemakers, students, recent graduates, and wine industry professionals seeking hands-on harvest experience. As a Harvest Winemaking Intern, you will work alongside experienced cellar and production teams, gaining practical exposure to the winemaking process from grape reception through fermentation and barreling.
Harvest is the most exciting and intensive time of year in the winery, offering a unique opportunity to develop technical cellar skills, learn industry best practices, and contribute directly to the production of premium wines. This role is ideal for individuals who are eager to learn, enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and want to build a strong foundation in commercial winemaking operations.
What You'll Learn
- Grape receiving, processing, and crush operations
- Fruit sorting and destemming procedures
- Fermentation management, including pump-overs and punch-downs
- Press operation and wine transfers
- Barrel handling, cleaning, and sanitation practices
- Winery safety, quality control, and cellar protocols
- Forklift operation and winery logistics
- Daily cellar operations during a commercial harvest
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with fruit receiving, unloading, and processing incoming grapes
- Perform hand sorting and operate destemming equipment
- Support tank fermentation activities, including pump-overs and monitoring
- Conduct small-lot punch-down fermentations
- Assist with press operations during active fermentation periods
- Perform routine barrel maintenance, cleaning, and sanitation
- Safely operate a forklift to move fruit bins, equipment, and materials
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
- Follow all winery safety protocols, sanitation practices, and quality standards
Qualifications
- Interest in winemaking, viticulture, fermentation science, enology, or a related field
- Previous winery, cellar, agricultural, manufacturing, or production experience is helpful but not required
- Forklift experience or certification is a plus
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work throughout the shift
- Willingness to work extended hours during peak harvest periods
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
Schedule & Availability
- Harvest is a time-sensitive production season requiring flexibility and commitment.
- Candidates must be available to work from approximately August 2026 through the completion of harvest operations (typically through November, depending on fruit intake and production needs).
- Up to 6 days per week.
- Shifts beginning as early as 6:00 AM.
- Weekends and overtime may be required based on harvest activity and production demands.
Compensation
$17.00 per hour
If you're looking to gain valuable hands-on experience, expand your winemaking knowledge, and work alongside experienced wine industry professionals in one of California's premier wine regions, we encourage you to apply for this exciting harvest opportunity.