Harvest Intern

Pacific Wine Services; Paso Robles (CA); On-site; USD 48,712,000 - 57,308,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing options may be available

Job summary

Pacific Wine Services in Paso Robles, CA is seeking a Harvest Intern for the upcoming harvest season. This hands-on temporary role offers a fast-paced winery-and-custom-crush environment working alongside diverse winemaking clients and styles.

The ideal candidate has at least one prior harvest experience, is physically capable, works well in a team, follows directions, and stays flexible during long harvest hours. Seasonal August–November with weekend work and overtime possible.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one completed wine harvest required.
• Basic understanding of cellar operations and winery safety.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Reliable transportation to work.
• Forklift experience is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with grape receiving, sorting, crushing, and pressing.
• Perform pumpovers, punchdowns, rackings, and tank/barrel transfers.
• Sanitize and maintain winery equipment, tanks, hoses, and work areas.
• Assist with fermentation monitoring and additions under supervision.
• Barrel work including topping, filling, and cleaning.
• Support bottling preparation and cellar organization.
• Follow all winery safety and sanitation protocols.
• Maintain accurate work records and communicate with supervisors and team.
• Assist fellow cellar staff to maintain harvest workflow.

Skills

Harvest experience

Teamwork

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Follow directions

Job description

Position Type

Seasonal / Temporary (Harvest Position)

Approximate employment period: August-November, depending on harvest timing and production needs

Reports To

Cellar Lead, Assistant Winemaker, and Director of Winemaking

Position Summary

Pacific Wine Services is seeking a motivated and hardworking Harvest Intern to join our team for the upcoming harvest season. This is a hands-on opportunity to work in a fast-paced custom crush environment alongside a diverse range of winemaking clients and wine styles.

The ideal candidate is eager to learn, thrives in a collaborative team environment, communicates well, takes direction professionally, and understands the importance of working together during the fast pace of harvest. Candidates must have at least one prior harvest experience in a winery or custom crush facility. This role is physically demanding and requires flexibility, attention to detail, accountability, and a consistently positive attitude during long harvest hours.

At Pacific Wine Services, we pride ourselves on cleanliness, organization, efficiency, and top-tier customer service while helping our clients craft wines that reflect their individual vision.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of one completed wine harvest required
• Basic understanding of cellar operations and winery safety procedures
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Strong work ethic and willingness to learn
• Must work well within a team environment and collaborate effectively with coworkers and supervisors
• Ability to take direction well, adapt quickly, and maintain professionalism under pressure
• Positive attitude and willingness to assist wherever needed during harvest
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work
• Forklift experience is a plus, but not required

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with grape receiving, sorting, crushing, and pressing
• Perform pumpovers, punchdowns, rackings, and tank/barrel transfers
• Sanitize and maintain winery equipment, tanks, hoses, and work areas
• Assist with fermentation monitoring and additions under supervision
• Barrel work including topping, filling, and cleaning
• Support bottling preparation and cellar organization
• Follow all winery safety and sanitation protocols
• Maintain accurate work records and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members
• Assist fellow cellar staff as needed to maintain efficient harvest workflow
• Assist with general harvest and cellar tasks as needed

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly
• Ability to stand, bend, climb stairs, and work long hours on feet
• Comfortable working in wet environments, around machinery, and in varying temperatures
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and overtime during peak harvest season

Schedule Expectations

Harvest is a demanding and exciting time of year. Candidates should expect:

Seasonal employment approximately August through November

Typical work week during harvest is 6 days per week

Scheduling is based on fruit intake and fermentation activity

We strive to keep schedules around 50 hours per week whenever possible, though additional overtime may occasionally be required during peak harvest periods

Weekend work and occasional evening/night shifts should be expected

Compensation & Perks

• $17-$20/hour depending on experience
• Overtime opportunities during harvest
• Hands-on experience in a dynamic custom crush environment
• Opportunity to work with multiple brands, varietals, and winemaking styles
• Potential housing options may be available for qualified candidates

About Pacific Wine Services

Pacific Wine Services is a full-service custom crush winery in Paso Robles dedicated to helping clients bring their winemaking vision to life. From grape to bottle, our team supports a wide range of wineries and winemakers through premium custom crush services, cellar operations, lab support, barrel storage, and bottling services.