Seasonal Winery Worker - WillaKenzie Estate

Jackson Family Wines; Oregon (IL); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the winemaking sector is seeking passionate individuals for a hands-on harvest internship in Oregon's Willamette Valley. This immersive experience will allow you to work closely with a dedicated winemaking team, engaging in various tasks from vineyard sampling to barrel filling. Ideal candidates should have prior cellar experience and a strong desire to learn. Join a vibrant team in a picturesque setting and contribute to the crafting of exquisite wines while gaining invaluable insights into the winemaking process. This opportunity promises to enhance your skills and deepen your appreciation for the art of winemaking.

Benefits

Paid Health Time

Referral Bonus

Potential Sign-Off Bonus

Qualifications

• 2+ prior harvests or relevant cellar experience required.
• Strong forklift experience is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the winemaking team through all phases of harvest.
• Perform vineyard sampling and manage fermentation.

Skills

Forklift Operation

Teamwork

Communication Skills

Flexibility

Physical Endurance

Education

Experience in Winemaking

Tools

Sorting Equipment

Wine Presses

Forklift

Job description

WillaKenzie Estate is an ultra-premium estate winery located in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Our modern, gravity-flow winery allows us to focus on the fine details while crafting small-lot, luxury Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with small amounts of Sparkling wine, Pinot Blanc, and Gamay Noir. Located on our 420-acre estate, this harvest internship will provide a fully immersive experience working alongside our winemaking team. We are seeking experienced individuals who possess a strong desire to expand their winemaking experience during the 2025 harvest. Under the supervision of the Cellar Manager, you will be working with the entire winemaking team through all phases of harvest. The position will include a wide range of responsibilities and activities starting with vineyard sampling through filling barrels. In short, you will be doing a little bit of everything.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

1. Work in a team environment
2. Follow safe cellar practices
3. Vineyard sampling
4. Clean all winery equipment
5. Additions and fermentation management
6. Rack juice and wine
7. Operate sorting equipment and presses
8. Driving a forklift
9. Other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

1. Passion and enthusiasm for learning
2. Flexibility
3. 2 or more prior harvests or relevant cellar experience
4. Strong forklift experience is highly valued
5. Must be able to work varying shifts and overtime as needed
6. Must be able to effectively communicate in English
7. This position requires continuous walking, climbing, kneeling, crouching, and crawling
8. Ability to reach with hands and arms, fine manipulation, and lifting up to 50 pounds
9. May occasionally include enclosed spaces and heights

WAGE TRANSPARENCY:

The hourly range for this role is from $18.50 - $23. Compensation will be determined by candidate experience, skills, and location.

BENEFITS:

1. Paid Health Time
2. Referral Bonus
3. Potential sign-off bonus

Jackson Family Wines is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are based on merit and business needs.