Harvest Lab Intern

Huneeus Vintners LLC•St. Helena, CA

3h•$22 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Quintessa is seeking a passionate, hardworking, and detail-oriented laboratory intern to join their 2026 harvest team for a fully immersive experience across all aspects of production. Under the general direction of the winemaking team, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to become an integral member of the harvest team by becoming proficient in all harvest analysis performed in a lab and provide support to the cellar by preforming duties such as fermentation monitoring, additions, removing pomace and barreling filling. This role will flux between the two areas of responsibility as dictated by operational needs. This is a full-time, seasonal position spanning from mid-August through late November. Applicants are responsible for their own housing and transportation. Hourly pay range of $22-$24, plus a one-time $600 sign-on bonus.

Requirements

Strong communication and organization skills
Ability to prioritize work while adapting to changing priorities
Experience running laboratory equipment
Knowledge of and experience using relevant cellar equipment
Ability to function independently with minimum supervision
Great level of attention to detail
Bring a positive work environment
Self-motivated and team player
Respectful

Responsibilities

Perform fruit maturity analysis during harvest. Recording analysis, entering in data in a timely manner, and sharing results with Winemaker and Assistant Winemaker.
Cluster weights
Perform daily brix and temperature checks on all fermenting lots
White juice analysis post-racking
Complete all routine analysis under direction of Assistant Winemaker including Brix. pH and TA by wet chemistry and Malic, VA, RS by enzymatic analysis
Perform Brettanomyces and Lactobacillus testing using the Invisible Sentinel
Prepare reagents and standards
Ensure that all equipment is properly calibrated
Ensure that all analysis is performed accurately, according to SOP, and compare it against previous data
Re-run analysis if results are not within specifications
Complete lab analysis worksheets and provide analysis to Winemaker and Assistant Winemaker
Pull accurate samples from the cellar tanks and barrels as needed for analysis
Alert Assistant Winemaker to any potential issues either with the analysis or with any off-aromas or issues observed while sampling
Ensures that the proper safety procedures in the lab are followed
Maintain lab cleanliness and organization
Maintain inventory of lab supplies and reagents
When time allows, participate in tasting with winemaking team.
Assist in receiving and sorting incoming fruit.
Sanitation of winery equipment
Support in safely and efficiently loading the bladder press
Assist in juice racking and juice movements to fermentation vessel
Perform nutrient additions to must and ensure that they are noted on the fermentation card
Yeast inoculations
Assist in removing pomace.
Help operate the basket presses and understanding the different press cuts
Perform barrel filling, topping and stirring
Record data and complete work orders
Other responsibilities as needed