Harvest Winemaking Trainee - Sonoma County

6705 Cristo Lane near Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa CA

Description

Are you curious about the process of how grapes are made into wine? Perhaps you’ve even dreamed of becoming a winemaker. Sugarloaf Crush offers a unique working and learning experience for enthusiastic individuals passionate about wine in the role of Harvest Winemaking Trainee for the 2021 harvest. This is a very comprehensive internship and a rare opportunity to work hands-on with a wide variety of small-lot wines and be exposed to a myriad of different winemaking techniques. Sugarloaf Crush is an ultra-premium service winery, located in California’s Sonoma County, specializing in custom crush winemaking services. We provide a state-of-the art winemaking facility where our world-renowned consulting or owner winemakers craft their wines. We process 35 different grape varietals, from the classical to not-so-classical varieties, representing 48 different American Viticultural Areas. 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. Sugarloaf Harvest Winemaking Trainees work directly alongside extraordinary winemakers and closely with seasoned Sugarloaf staff, assisting with all aspects of the winemaking processes and playing a crucial role in crafting our clients’ wines. We assign Winemaking Trainees to specific clients and Winemaking Trainees full responsibility for dedicated fermentations from crush pad to barrel under the direction of clients and supervision by Sugarloaf staff. At Sugarloaf, you will see it all! The Sugarloaf harvest internship begins in early August and concludes around mid-December, depending on Mother Nature. We start with Pinot noir and then end with a steady pace of our later season Cabernets. With the fun varieties in between. Our ideal candidates should be energetic and highly motivated, with outstanding attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile for our clients. We expect the Harvest Winemaking Trainees to be considerate, cooperative crew members and contribute to the overall positive energy of our team. Trainees receive extensive training in winemaking techniques, safety practices, and forklift operation. The team at Sugarloaf pride themselves in promoting a safe working environment and providing an excellent harvest experience. 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 follow precise directions • 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 and 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 Sugarloaf Crush: