2024 Winemaking Internship (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Ram's Gate Winery

  Sonoma, California

Who We Are: Ram’s Gate Winery is entering a new era of winemaking, dedicated to crafting small-batch wines that exude character and poise. The winery’s portfolio showcases wines characterized by freshness, minerality, and an unwavering commitment to quality. With a passionate enthusiasm for finding the “hidden gems” that capture the essence of Sonoma County, our winemaking team sources from seven distinct AVAs. Grounded in a spirit of exploration, the Ram’s Gate Winery team brings a new perspective on refined elegance, achieved through thoughtful farming, transparent winemaking, genuine hospitality, and extraordinary culinary experiences.

Who You Are: You possess a keen interest in all facets of winemaking, spanning from grape to bottle. Your enthusiasm to delve deeper into the art and science of winemaking is evident, as you are willing to immerse yourself, as well as your hands (and feet) to broaden your understanding. Bringing a positive demeanor to our team, you excel at managing multiple tasks at a time when needed. Beyond your willingness to embrace the hands-on aspects of the cellar, you also exhibit innovative thinking, leadership qualities, and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning. While a genuine love for wine is critical, your appreciation for humor, fondness for a robust cup of coffee, and taste for excellent music are equally vital traits for a Harvest Intern at Ram’s Gate.

Job Description: The role of a Harvest Intern requires a dedicated, driven, and detail-oriented individual who is interested in delving deeper into the intricacies of winemaking. Working closely within an intimate team, you will engage in every facet of winemaking ranging from monitoring phenological phases in the vineyard and sampling grapes for harvest to sorting and stomping fruit, inoculating, and overseeing fermentations, cleaning equipment, daily pump-overs, and punch downs, among other tasks. The experience will expose you to a wide variety of varietals, including Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rhone, and Cabernet varietals.

Despite long days and weekend work, our team ensures that harvest is also an enjoyable and educational opportunity. We encourage discussions and tastings of our wine portfolio, as well as delving into mystery wines from around the world. Flexibility is critical in this role, and availability to work weekends is just as crucial. Lunch is provided every day, and we ensure a fun and educational opportunity. This position requires flexibility based on vintage and winery needs from approximately August through mid-November. We invite you to join us in crafting exceptional wines, where hard work is coupled with a great sense of camaraderie during the harvest season.

Essential Functions:
•  Operation of harvest equipment
•  Equipment sanitation
•  Wine/must movements
•  Pump-overs/punch-downs
•  Fermentation monitoring
•  Barrel work
•  Vineyard sampling
•  General winery cleaning

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
•  B.S. or degree in Enology or Viticulture, or previous harvest experience.
•  Organized and detail-oriented, with strong multi-tasking and time management skills.
•  Self-motivated and willing to assume additional responsibilities.
•  Possess high standards of ethics and integrity.
•  Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) used in the workplace.
•  Must be at least 21 years of age.
•  Valid driver’s license with a social security card OR a passport required

Physical Requirements:
•  Able to lift 50 lbs, frequently and more than 50 lbs occasionally
•  Able to stand for long periods of time on hard and sometimes slippery surfaces
•  Required to work 6 days/week at times and longer than normal business hours.