2024 Amici Cellars Harvest Lab Intern (Housing Provided, Rent Stipend Included)
Amici Cellars is seeking one more intern to join our 2024 harvest team. We are a family-owned premium, boutique winery producing about 12,000 cases nestled just north of Calistoga, where we typically process no more than 195 tons. Our portfolio includes single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc sourced from some of the most renowned vineyards in Napa Valley, as well as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from esteemed sites from the true Sonoma Coast and Russian River. As an Amici intern, you will be working with and handling incredibly premium fruit.
This position is focused in the lab, however there will be ample opportunity for cellar work as well. We run basic lab analysis and are beginning our onboarding of running an in-house phenolics lab. Phenolics are a very important part of our red winemaking, this is a great opportunity to learn about tannin and color from a team with extensive experience in this area. Your role will be to:
Conduct various aspects of winery operations and crush work including but not limited to the following:
Processing fruit samples from the vineyard for tasting, sugar and acidity measurement, and phenolics
Running fermenting samples for standard lab analysis (G/F, mL, VA, SO2) and phenolics
Communicating inventory needs to winemaking team for laboratory
Maintaining a clean and orderly laboratory
Real-Time communication with winemaking team for analysis results, as well as accurate data input and management in Excel
Pulling samples from tank and barrel
Processes critical to winemaking: fruit receival and processing, pump-overs, drain-and-press, rackings, punch-downs, inoculations, wine and must additions
Processes critical to wine quality: topping, sampling, battonage, and barrel-downs
Operate, learn, and care for pumps, presses, hoses, filters and other cellar equipment
Monitor temperature/sugars of wine tanks during fermentation
Maintain and understand the highest standard for sanitation and cleanliness on the quality of our wines
Receive, complete, and comprehend various work orders and tasks
Help to monitor the wine-making process and clearly communicate veritable results to Assistant Winemaker and/or Winemaker
Perform and execute safely the operation of various wine-making machinery
Ensure an organized cellar and crush pad to facilitate a smoother work-flow
We are an extremely hands-on winery and due to our wine-making style, no two days during harvest will be the same. You will get the opportunity to witness and participate in all aspects of the wine-making process from the vineyard to bottle. Our number one priority is for you to learn how to uphold winemaking standards and safety, develop an eye for detail and thoroughness, and understand how our wine-making processes contribute to our wine quality. During harvest, we provide lunch as well as weekly BBQs for the spirit. You will also be able to partake in educational tastings and vineyard visits.
Housing is provided and is located less than 7 minutes from the winery in the town of Calistoga. You will have your own room, access to kitchen, and an in-unit laundry. Rent stipends are also provided!
We recommend that applicants submit a resume AND cover letter as we believe that personality, attitude, and best-fit are factors that should be considered. Prior harvest and forklift experience is not necessary, though any past experience in a luxury winery work environment will be strongly considered.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / OTHER:
Must be able to communicate effectively in English, written and spoken.
Must be able to adapt to dynamic work situations
Able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds frequently and more than 50 pounds occasionally, including wine barrels.
Able to stand for long periods of time on hard and sometimes slippery surfaces.
Able to provide strong references
Flexibility to work until the job gets done.
Ability and desire to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Team player with a can-do attitude
At least 21 years of age
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Ability to identify variances in wine color by sight and identify wine flavors by taste and smell.
Be legally able to work in the USA during the complete duration of employment (we can assist with questions about the process, but all visas and CAEP applications must be completed on your own behalf).
