Harvest Cellar Intern

Job Description:

Booker Vineyard & Winery, established in 2001 by farmer-winemaker Eric Jensen, specializes in premium estate wines from its 85-acre organic and regenerative certified vineyard in the Willow Creek District of westside Paso Robles. Booker’s wines are perennially acclaimed as among the finest in California. The Booker portfolio proudly specializes in Rhone varietals, both single-variety Grenache and Syrah wines, complimented by Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre (GSM) blends. In 2021, Booker opened a state-of-the-art visitor center with underground wine caves and an indoor-outdoor tasting lounge that flows into the vineyard environment. Booker is committed to the highest sustainable practices in both the vineyard and winery using solar energy and holding California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) certifications. Booker wines are “Made with Organic Grapes” which additionally requires strict protocols to adhere to in the winery. The Regenerative Organic Certified® vineyard proves a commitment beyond organic farming but includes an emphasis on soil regeneration, social welfare and farmworker fairness. These acclaimed certifications guarantee that Booker wines are produced with the highest dedication to sustainable winegrowing.

My Favorite Neighbor wines began in 2006 by Eric Jensen, visionary farmer-winemaker of Booker, and were inspired by the deep friendships and collaboration of the wine community in Paso Robles. My Favorite Neighbor sought to highlight exceptional quality Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards across westside Paso Robles celebrating the village behind every great bottle.
Just as Booker estate is on the forefront of Regenerative Organic Certified winegrowing, My Favorite Neighbor extends that same uncompromising ethos. The vineyards and growers share the same goal, same meticulous farming practices, and extraordinary terroir.

Position Summary
The position offers unique experience to work a harvest with a wide range of varietals, both Rhône and Bordeaux, along with learning the different winemaking styles of each.

Responsible for executing day-to-day winemaking cellar activities from crush through bottling to ensure maximum productivity, efficiency, accuracy, and quality standards. Elements of this position may include oversight of the following activities: grape-to-wine and wine-to-bottle processes, barrel work, onsite and offsite wine/grape monitoring & maintenance, shipping & receiving of juice and wine. May also include special winemaking projects as needed which may include: inventory management, plan development, cellar SOP and Winemaking Protocol (WMP) review and development, sanitation monitoring and other assignments.

Responsibilities

o Assist Winemaking team with executing all winemaking operations to meet quality targets including:
• Tank and equipment sanitation
• Grape sampling, receiving, sorting, crushing and conveyance to tank
• Additions to grape must as requested
• Ensuring all tanks are set up correctly with full functionality of hot/cold glycol, compressed air, inert gas, pumpover operation, etc.
• Drain & Press adhering to all safety protocols
• Daily tank checks
• Barrel prep, sanitation, filling, and/or emptying
o Facilitate shipping & receiving of juice & wine
o Cultivate a good understanding of all winemaking procedures and production protocols
o Contribute to the continuous improvement of the winemaking processes and procedures
o Understand and comply with applicable quality, environmental and safety regulatory considerations
o Learn and develop winemaking skills
o Represent brand to trade & consumer
o Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

o High School Diploma, College Degree preferred
o Passion for wine and the wine industry as a whole
o Basic understanding of major aspects of winemaking, laboratory procedures, bottling and production workflow
o Clear commitment to high quality and attention to details
o Able to work independently with minimum supervision
o Able to work well with a team

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

o 21 years of age, preferred
o Works outdoors/indoors
o Works in warm/cold climates
o Works in high places
o Works on wet surfaces
o Is exposed to loud noise, fumes and/or toxic chemicals
o Works near moving, mechanical parts and lift truck traffic
o Must be able to move up to 55 lbs
o Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.

Experience or love of cooking/BBQing is a bonus!

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