Harvest Lab Technician - Sea Smoke Winery
About The Position
Located in Santa Rita Hills, Sea Smoke is an estate winery renowned for producing world‑class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded in 1999, the winery is known for its dramatic hillside vineyards, meticulous farming, and unwavering commitment to quality. Sea Smoke blends tradition with innovation, fostering a collaborative, hands-on culture dedicated to expressing the unique character of its site while setting a benchmark for excellence in California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Position Summary We are seeking an individual who is eager to gain more experience in the field of enology through harvest laboratory operations and hands-on winemaking. The ideal candidate will have a passion for knowledge and a willingness to learn, with a background in enology, plant and beverage sciences, or the wine industry. As a mid-size winery with estate and purchased fruit primarily analyzed in house, candidates should be prepared to participate in all aspects of lab work, as well as some cellar responsibilities. This is a temporary full-time, on-site seasonal assignment. Schedules are determined on an as-needed basis to keep up with grape processing. This may include weekend work, and overtime. We hope to start this assignment mid-August, with exact date communicated once growing season begins, and will generally end mid-November.
Requirements
- Ability to work from mid-August through mid-November
- Ability to work various shifts including weekends and overtime
- Ability to identify, analyze, and rectify data discrepancies with high levels of precision
- Excellent organizational and communication skills – oral and written
- Experience in computer applications (Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook)
- Interest in the winemaking process
- Ability to work well independently and in teams
- Cultivate an understanding of winemaking procedures and production protocols
- Must be able to stand and walk over rough or uneven terrain.
- Must be able to move up to 55 lbs.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Must be flexible with scheduling and willing to work long hours during peak harvest.
Nice To Haves
- Previous harvest experience
- Experience with Vintrace
- Strong sense of commitment
- Self-starter attitude
Responsibilities
- Maturity sampling – organization of sample intake, collection, and analysis
- Instrument calibration and operation daily
- Fruit processing analysis and additions
- Ferment tracking and records
- Juice trials
- Sample collection, preparation, and analysis
- Previous vintage analysis and maintenance as required
- Assist winemaking team with executing all winemaking operations to meet quality targets including but not limited to:
- Fruit processing
- Cap management
- Tank and equipment cleaning
- Additions/Inoculations
- Barrel prep, cleaning, filling, and/or emptying
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
