About the role#
The Grower Relations Intern supports vineyard operations, grower communications, and harvest coordination. This is a six-month, hands-on opportunity to gain experience in commercial viticulture and winery relations within California’s Central Valley. You will work from early summer through the harvest season. A key component of this role is completing a season-long project that integrates vineyard operations, grower relations, and winemaking objectives. You will provide periodic progress updates and deliver a final presentation on your project results.
What you'll do#
- Monitor vineyards, including tracking phenology, vine health, irrigation, and pest or disease scouting.
- Maintain professional and timely communication with growers and vineyard managers.
- Collect and process grape maturity samples and assist with basic fruit chemistry analysis.
- Create and distribute a weekly maturity sampling schedule.
- Participate in crop estimation, yield tracking, and harvest data collection.
- Support harvest preparation and logistics, including vineyard readiness checks.
- Maintain accurate records using vineyard management software and spreadsheets.
- Work with the winemaking team and external growers to align on harvest timing.
- Participate in occasional winemaking tastings to observe quality control and fermenter evaluation.
- Support special vineyard projects and ensure compliance with safety and food quality standards.
What you'll need#
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Current senior or recent graduate in Viticulture, Enology, Agricultural Science, or a related field is preferred.
- Must be 21 years of age or older at the start of employment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Experience with GIS software is preferred.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to organize data accurately.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team with minimal supervision.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
- Willingness to work flexible hours during peak seasonal demands, including harvest, weekends, and early mornings.
Location & details#
- This internship is based in Fresno, California.
- The role is on-site and full-time.
- You will work outdoors in varying weather conditions and must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
- The position involves driving to multiple vineyard locations throughout the Central Valley.
- Compensation is $24.00 per hour.
About The Wine Group
The Wine Group is a beverage manufacturer based in Ripon, California. Founded in 1981, the company produces wine and alcoholic beverages across more than 125 brands. It maintains operations in California, New York, and Australia. The company employs over 1,000 people and utilizes sustainable production practices.
How to get in at The Wine Group
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