Marketing MBA Intern in NAPA, California at STAGS LEAP WINE CELLARS LLC

About the Opportunity

This is not a typical internship. This is a front-row seat to luxury wine brand management at one of the most storied import portfolios in the U.S. market, including the Marchesi Antinori collection, one of the most iconic names in the world of fine Italian wine.

For a student pursuing a wine business or marketing MBA, this role offers rare, hands-on exposure to the full arc of brand strategy and execution: from annual planning and consumer engagement to trade marketing, cross-functional collaboration, and supplier relationships with partners in Italy. You will work closely with senior brand leadership and contribute directly to the work that drives the business, not just observe it.

Why This Role

Opportunities to work this closely with a heritage-driven luxury wine import portfolio, during a period of meaningful brand-building activity, are genuinely rare at the internship level. You will leave this role with real experience, real relationships, and a working understanding of what it takes to manage a fine wine brand in the U.S. market.

Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-Time

Compensation: $38/hour *Relocation Assistance Available

Internship Timeline: September 1st - March 1st, 2027

What You’ll Do

Brand Strategy & Planning Support

• Learn how a luxury wine brand’s Annual Operating Plan (AOP) is built, from consumer insights to financial targets, by supporting its development and tracking
• Get exposure to long-range strategic planning discussions across a multi-brand imports portfolio
• Assist in competitive and market analysis, and learn how to translate data into actionable brand recommendations

Marketing Execution

• Support the development and trafficking of marketing programs, point-of-sale materials, sales literature, and consumer-facing content
• Learn how advertising and promotions are managed across both on-premise and off-premise channels at the luxury/ultra-premium tier
• Assist with event and sponsorship logistics, gaining firsthand experience in how wine brands show up in market

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work alongside internal teams including Sales, Customer Service, and Finance to understand how marketing decisions connect to broader business performance
• Get exposure to agency management and creative review processes
• Learn how brand teams collaborate with international supplier partners, including direct engagement with colleagues in Italy

Business Performance & Reporting

• Support the tracking and reporting of brand KPIs, market trends, and competitive activity
• Develop skills in budget monitoring and A&P management under the guidance of senior leadership

What We’re Looking For

• Currently enrolled in an MBA program with a focus in wine business, marketing, or a related field (e.g., Sonoma State Wine Business Institute or similar)
• A genuine passion for fine wine, particularly Italian wine, and an understanding of the luxury category
• Strong analytical and organizational skills; comfortable working with data and translating it into clear, concise communication
• Excellent written and verbal communication; confident in a professional setting
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
• Collaborative, detail-oriented, and comfortable in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Italian language skills are a plus, but not required

Working Conditions

• Based in Napa, CA with the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as events require
• Domestic travel may be available depending on business timing
• Ability to periodically lift and carry up to 40 lbs (a standard case of wine)
• Must have a history of responsible alcohol use and be eligible for state and/or local licensing as applicable

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.