Winemaking and Spirits Distillation Internship (January - July) 2027

Gallo•Modesto, CA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

This internship program offers those interested in winemaking or spirits distillation a chance to spend five to six months immersed in the field, working with seasoned professionals at one of our production sites. The program provides a comprehensive experience in technical training and professional development. Interns contribute to a variety of corporate initiatives and research projects, in addition to leading their projects, which they will present to our management team at the end of their internship. This internship provides students with the opportunity to learn from experienced Product Makers producing a variety of wines, spirits, and beverages while driving a culture of continuous improvement and cutting-edge research. Our portfolio is an area of rapid growth for GALLO and the environment is dynamic as we learn how to develop and produce new beverages. Placement Opportunities: Spirits Distillation Interns assist with the commercial production of brandy, whiskey, rum, flavored vodkas, hard seltzers, and other spirits. Winemaking Interns: Assist with the commercial production of specialty and sparkling wine. SPIRITS DISTILLATION Locations: Modesto Duration: January - July Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the internship to qualify. This internship provides students with the opportunity to learn from experienced distillers producing a variety of spirits. Spirits-making is an area of rapid growth for Gallo and the environment is dynamic as we learn how to distill and craft new beverages. What you will do: Manage bench-scale trials to problem solve current production issues. Evaluate process improvements in making and managing our spirits portfolio. Monitor fermentation and distillation facilities during harvest. Participate in spirits tasting and sensory evaluation. WINEMAKING Locations: Modesto Duration: January - July Candidates must be available for the entire duration of the internship to qualify. Interns will work and learn from winemakers responsible for the production of table wines, sparkling wines, flavored wines and other beverages. What you will do: Participate in product evaluations and trials including, but not limited to, sample acquisition, production practices and fermentation monitoring. Participate in wine tasting and sensory evaluation. Perform fining, blending and other winemaking trials. Participate in the production, sensory evaluation and bottling of commercial wines and beverages.

Requirements

Currently enrolled at a college or university and working towards a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree OR have obtained a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in the following areas: School of Life Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, or School of Engineering (Business or social sciences degrees are not eligible for this internship, such as ag business, psychology, etc).
Available for the entire duration of the internship program area(s) of interest.
Candidate is required to have a valid driver’s license, a safe driving record and reliable vehicle (if applicable) at the time of hire.
This position will undergo a motor vehicle check (MVR) to confirm a history of safe and responsible driving.
If needed, candidate must obtain the appropriate state driver’s license based on the position’s location within 30 days of hire.
Required to travel to and from varying winery locations up to 10% of the time.
Reliable transportation to and from work.
Required to lift and move up to 40 lbs. when necessary.
Required to work at heights of 50 feet, on tops of tanks inspecting wine surfaces when necessary.
Required to be 21 years of age.
Requires availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays when necessary.
Strong applied technical skills and analytical problem-solving skills.
Good oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Junior or Senior class standing at a college or university and working towards a Bachelor’s degree in the school of Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or Engineering; OR working towards a Master’s degree in the school of Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or Engineering.
Excellent organizational and team skills and experience managing multiple assignments.
Comfortable in a manufacturing environment.
Mechanical inclination and an aptitude for design of equipment and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

Assist with the commercial production of brandy, whiskey, rum, flavored vodkas, hard seltzers, and other spirits.
Assist with the commercial production of specialty and sparkling wine.
Manage bench-scale trials to problem solve current production issues.
Evaluate process improvements in making and managing our spirits portfolio.
Monitor fermentation and distillation facilities during harvest.
Participate in spirits tasting and sensory evaluation.
Participate in product evaluations and trials including, but not limited to, sample acquisition, production practices and fermentation monitoring.
Participate in wine tasting and sensory evaluation.
Perform fining, blending and other winemaking trials.
Participate in the production, sensory evaluation and bottling of commercial wines and beverages.
Contribute to a variety of corporate initiatives and research projects.
Lead their own projects and present them to management.