Harvest Cellar Intern

Harvest Cellar Intern

Willow Creek Wine Co. - Paso Robles, California 

About Willow Creek Wine Co. 

-Willow Creek Wine Co. is a boutique Paso Robles winery, owned and operated by Natalie and Brian Brown, focused on high-quality wines from the estate and carefully sourced vineyards throughout the region. They focus on old-vine Chenin Blanc, estate Syrah, and Rhone-style blends. They are a small, hands-on team committed to thoughtful winemaking and attention to detail. Producing site driven wines with minimal cellar intervention has always been something that Brian and Natalie are committed to.

-We are seeking a motivated, hardworking harvest cellar intern to join our team for the upcoming 2026 vintage. This position offers extensive exposure to all aspects of harvest operations at a small estate winery including cellar work, fermentation management, laboratory analysis, and vineyard sampling. 

Position Summary

-The harvest cellar intern will work closely with the winemaking team throughout the harvest season. The ideal candidate will have some prior experience, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn in a fast-paced production environment. 

-This role is physically demanding and requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to work extended hours during peak harvest periods. 

Primary Responsibilities

Cellar:

-Cleaning and sanitizing tanks, hoses, pumps, and winery equipment

-Preparing tanks, lines, and processing equipment for harvest operations

-Performing pump-overs, punch-downs, rackings, and juice transfers

-Assisting with grape receiving, crushing, pressing, and processing

-Barrel filling, topping, racking, and cleaning

Fermentation Management:

-Monitoring active fermentations

-Recording fermentation data and observations

-Assisting with inoculations, nutrient additions, and other winemaking operations as directed

-Supporting daily harvest and production activities

Vineyard and Laboratory:

-Vineyard sampling and maturity monitoring

-Collecting and processing grape samples

-Performing routine laboratory analysis including: brix, pH, temperature monitoring, etc. 

-Maintaining accurate records and assist with data entry

Qualifications

Preferred:

-Previous winery cellar experience (harvest experience strongly preferred)

-Basic understanding of winery sanitation and cellar operations

-Familiarity with laboratory analysis and fermentation monitoring

-Forklift experience

Required:

-Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality 

-Ability to work safely and efficiently in a team environment 

-Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs

-Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and work in varying weather conditions

-Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and overtime during harvest 

-Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Compensation and Schedule

-Seasonal Harvest Internship

-Start Date: Mid August

-End Date: Late October-Early November

-$18-$20/hr depending on experience

-Overtime opportunities during harvest

-Wine industry educational experience and mentorship

To Apply

Please Submit the following to alyssa@willowcreekwineco.com:

-Resume

-Brief cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in harvest work

-References (optional but encouraged)