Seasonal Viticulture Intern

Wente Vineyards is seeking a Seasonal Viticulture Intern to join the Livermore, CA Viticulture team for the 2024 growing season through harvest. This is a full time, seasonal, hourly position, starting in June and lasting through harvest (typically around mid-November). This dynamic position will provide valuable experience in vineyard. The ideal candidate will have an up-for-anything attitude and take pride in their work, no matter how small the task. They will have an interest in agriculture and Vineyard Management, respect for and sense of comradery with members of the team, a good work ethic and desire to be a part of the harvest family. It's expected that the Seasonal Viticulture Intern will have a flexible schedule during the employment period, be eager and willing to work early mornings and long extended hours, able to lift/move awkward objects or know when to ask for help when they can't, and able to be on their feet for most of the day. They will be working on the Wente Vineyards ranch in the Livermore Valley, with the possibility of visiting our Arroyo Seco Monterey Ranch. We strive to grow world-class grapes at Wente and desire to work with others who share the same vision.

Essential Functions:

The Seasonal Viticulture Intern will mainly be responsible for the following:

• Phenology tracking

• Annual crop estimates across all vineyards; cluster counts and weights.

• identifying and marking sampling areas for each vineyard block

• Daily berry and cluster sampling of vineyard blocks

• Process grape samples and basic chemistry analysis

• Monitor vineyards for pests, diseases, nutritional disorders, and vine health. Communicate issue to viticulture team as needed

• Accurate record keeping, data collection and reporting

• Check on individual vineyard grape harvesting as needed for quality control

• Follow safe operating procedures

• Special projects and responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications and Skill Sets:

• Agricultural experience or Viticulture/horticulture education is a plus

• Previous winery or harvest experience is beneficial

• Good understanding of fundamentals of viticulture: physiology of vine, nutrients, pest and diseases is preferred

• A strong attention to detail, positive attitude, great communication skills, willingness to work hard and get dirty, and the ability to work well with others is essential

• Must be available to work early morning hours including extended hours during Harvest season

• Ability to perform the physical demands of vineyard work and lift and carry 50 pounds

• Ability to work long hours/weekends and in various conditions/terrains/climates

• Valid CA Driver's License required with a safe driving record

• Preferably over the age of 21

Environmental Conditions:

Will be required to go out-of-doors and into various parts of the winery and vineyard subjecting the incumbent to variations in temperature and humidity. Summer season will subject incumbent to high heat exposure.

This position description does not promise or imply that the functions listed are the only duties to be performed or that the position may not change, or be eliminated. Employees are always expected to follow their supervisors' instructions and to perform the tasks requested by their supervisors.