Harvest Intern - Ram's Gate Winery
About The Position
Perched upon the rolling hills that define the landscape of the Carneros AVA, Ram’s Gate welcomes visitors as they enter Sonoma’s Wine Country. The vision of owner Jeff O'Neill, Ram’s Gate Winery brings a new perspective on refined elegance through thoughtful farming, transparent winemaking, genuine hospitality, and sublime culinary experiences. The cornerstone of the O'Neill family portfolio, Ram's Gate is dedicated to crafting compelling, uncompromising wines sourced from vineyards that embody the spirit of Sonoma County. Its connection to the land is reflected in the breathtaking tasting room overlooking the estate vineyard, which spans 28 acres of organically farmed vines. Are you fascinated by the science of winemaking and eager to dive into the art and craft behind every bottle? Join the O'Neill team as an Enology Intern and gain invaluable hands-on experience in the laboratory and cellar, working alongside skilled winemakers and the cellar team. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to participate in every step of the winemaking process, from grape to glass. As a Certified B Corporation, we are committed to balancing purpose and profit, prioritizing sustainability, community, and ethical business practices. This is your chance to be part of a company that’s using winemaking as a force for good. What You’ll Gain: Practical experience in both the science and art of winemaking, from grape sampling to fermentation monitoring. Mentorship from experienced winemakers and industry professionals. An understanding of how lab analysis and cellar operations come together to create exceptional wines. The satisfaction of contributing to a dynamic and fast-paced harvest team. The opportunity to work for a Certified B Corporation, gaining firsthand insight into how sustainability and ethical practices are integrated into every aspect of the winemaking process.
Requirements
- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- A Bachelor’s degree or upper-division coursework in Enology, Fermentation Science, Food Processing, or a related field of Science or Engineering.
- A demonstrated passion for winemaking, fermentation science, or food processing.
- The ability to work independently, communicate effectively, and collaborate in a team-oriented environment.
- Proficiency in MS Office and comfort working with data.
- The ability to work up to six days a week on variable or rotating shifts, especially during the busy harvest season.
- Must be 21 or older.
Nice To Haves
- Previous experience in the beverage or food processing industry is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Grape Sampling & Analysis: Collect grape samples from local vineyards and prepare them for analysis, monitoring key metrics such as Brix, pH, and titratable acidity.
- Lab Support: Analyze grape, juice/must, and wine samples to ensure quality standards are met throughout the winemaking process.
- Harvest Operations: Assist with weighing trucks, receiving fruit into the cellar, and coordinating logistics to keep harvest operations running smoothly.
- Winery Trials: Participate in experimental winery trials and data collection, contributing to innovation and process improvements.
- Cellar Operations: Support key cellar activities, including cap management, inoculations, and additions, gaining hands-on exposure to winemaking techniques.
- Fermentation Monitoring: Track barrel fermentations and Micro-Ox tanks to ensure optimal conditions for wine development.
- Collaboration: Interface between winemakers, the cellar team, and the lab to communicate findings and help execute winemaking plans.
- Documentation: Assist with creating work orders and winemaking documents to maintain accurate records.
- Special Projects: Participate in other projects and tasks as assigned, adapting to the winery's dynamic needs.
- Identify and implement sustainable practices within the team/department to align with the company’s environmental goals.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Number of Employees
11-50 employees
