Harvest Intern (Paid) in Lompoc, California at Pali Wine Company LP

Join Our Harvest Team at Pali Wine Co.

Pali Wine Co. is looking for a passionate and driven Harvest Intern to join our winemaking team during one of the most exciting and dynamic times of the year. This is a Seasonal, Temporary role expected to run from approximately July through November, offering a hands-on, immersive opportunity to work alongside our Associate Winemaker and gain real-world experience across all stages of harvest.

From fruit arrival to fermentation, you’ll be part of the process that transforms grapes into finished wine—while also gaining valuable insight into how vineyard conditions and agricultural decisions influence the final product.

What You’ll Do

As part of our harvest team, you’ll contribute to a wide range of cellar and production activities, including but not limited to:

• Assisting with fruit processing, fermentations, inoculations, additions, sampling, and quality checks
• Supporting cellar operations such as racking, blending, and barrel work
• Performing basic lab analysis and tracking fermentation progress
• Maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary workspace, including sanitizing equipment
• Operating winery equipment, including forklifts (as trained)
• Working closely with the winemaking team to ensure a smooth, efficient harvest
• Pitching in where needed—harvest is fast-paced, and no two days are the same
• Following safety procedures and protocols.

What You’ll Learn

This role goes beyond the cellar—you’ll gain exposure to the agricultural side of winemaking, including:

• How vineyard conditions and grape quality impact fermentation and wine style
• The role of harvest timing, ripeness, and varietal characteristics
• The connection between farming decisions and winemaking outcomes
• Real-time problem solving during an active harvest season

What We’re Looking For

• A positive, team-oriented attitude and strong work ethic
• Eagerness to learn and contribute in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to work long, flexible hours during peak harvest season
• Comfort working indoors and outdoors in varying conditions
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform active tasks (standing, bending, climbing) for prolonged lengths of time
• Willingness to work on elevated surfaces and occasionally on wet surfaces
• Ability to multi-task; Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Consistent awareness of moving forklifts and winery equipment
• Previous winery or production experience is a plus, but not required

Why You’ll Love It Here

• Hands-on experience during harvest—the most exciting time in winemaking
• Mentorship from experienced winemaking professionals
• Exposure to both winemaking and agricultural influences
• A collaborative, energetic team environment
• Opportunities for future harvest roles or career growth
• Employee discounts on Pali Wine Co. wines

About Pali Wine Company

Pali Wine Co. brings the winery experience to your neighborhood. Through our Outposts across Southern California, we create a connection between our customers, our Santa Barbara County-based winery and the vineyards that we source our grapes from. Pali’s wines are highly regarded by critics, and we have a reputation for producing wines with a strong sense of place and identity. Even still, Pali’s wines are approachable to new wine-drinkers and our staff embraces every opportunity to educate our customers.

We produce a variety of wines by employing a spectrum of winemaking techniques, old and new. We obsess over our customers’ experiences, and we welcome new members to the Pali team who share our obsession and want to add to our customer’s experience. We are performance driven, which makes Pali Wine Co. an inspiring place to grow personally and professionally.