Employment Opportunities

We invite individuals passionate about wine and dedicated to making wines of exceptional quality to join us in the role of Harvest Winemaking Intern. Sugarloaf Crush is an ultra-premium service winery, specializing in custom crush winemaking services. We provide a state-of-the art winemaking facility where our consulting- and owner-winemakers craft their wines. Our world-renowned winemakers partner with us to produce their ultra-premium wines, which represent 40 American Viticultural Areas. During a typical harvest we will process around 30 grape varietals, from the classical to not-so-classical. Our clients contract some of the most sought-after fruit sources in California, including Pinot noir from eclectic vineyards in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast as well as Cabernet Sauvignon from the world-famous Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard in Napa Valley.

This is a comprehensive internship and a rare opportunity to work hands-on with a wide variety of small-lot wines. Harvest interns work directly alongside extraordinary winemakers and seasoned Sugarloaf staff, assisting with all aspects of the winemaking processes. Interns will be exposed to a myriad of different winemaking techniques. We assign interns to specific clients and give them full responsibility for dedicated fermentations from crush pad to barrel under the direction of clients and supervision by Sugarloaf staff. The team at Sugarloaf takes pride in promoting safe working practices and an excellent harvest experience. At Sugarloaf, you will see it all!

General Description:
The Sugarloaf harvest winemaking internship begins early in August and concludes around mid-December, depending on Mother Nature. We start with Pinot noir and end with a steady pace of our later-season Cabernets, with the fun varieties in between. The right candidates need to be energetic and highly motivated, with outstanding attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile for our clients. We expect our harvest interns to be cooperative team members and contribute to the overall positive energy of our work environment. Interns receive extensive training in winemaking techniques, cellar operations, and safety practices.

Qualifications:

• Degree or coursework in winemaking/fermentation sciences is a plus
• Preference for candidates with previous harvest experience, especially forklift experience
• Must commit to working full-time plus extended harvest hours through our harvest season
• Must be organized with acute attention to details
• Ability to communicate effectively in English
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment, safely
• Ability to work flexible and extended hours on short notice
• Must be at least 21 years of age and have legal United States work eligibility

Work Environment Requirements:

• Ability to work in confined spaces, high places and climb ladders
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds repeatedly
• Work with chemicals that require protective equipment (goggles, gloves, etc.)
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk on uneven surfaces for extended periods of time
• Perform work duties inside and outdoors

Additional requirements:

• International applicants will have to obtain a work visa (J-1 VISA through CAEP.org or E-3 Australia)
• Harvest interns are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation

Compensation:  $21/hr with overtime pay, per California law.