Penner-Ash Wine Cellars 2024 Harvest Intern   

Signing Bonus and End of Season Bonus Available   

Penner-Ash Wine Cellars is seeking motivated individuals to be involved in all aspects of the winemaking process. We work with upwards of twenty vineyards, all sustainably farmed, in the Northern Willamette Valley. With an intense focus on making small batch, vineyard designated Pinot noirs, we bring in around 300 tons per year, the vast majority of which is Pinot noir, with the balance being small amounts of Chardonnay, Riesling and Viognier. Due to the nature of our small team, you will be exposed to all facets of the winemaking process, from bottling, vineyard sampling, tasting, processing, cleaning, cap management, pressing, and barreling down, just to name a few.   

Interns will begin on July 29th (with some flexibility for a later start) to assist with our summer bottlings prior to harvest. We are generally all wrapped up around mid-November. The start date is firm, but the end date will be dependent on the timing of harvest. We will have a better idea of timing as we approach the growing season. Because of our summer start date, this offers an extended working season which is longer than most basic harvest positions in the Willamette Valley.   

What we provide - harvest lunches during peak processing times, inside jokes, harvest swag, ample learning opportunities, a safe and fun working environment and the opportunity to work with some of the highest regarded fruit in the Willamette Valley.   

What you provide - a sense of humor and good attitude, the ability to work well independently as well as in a team, a strong work ethic, the ability to follow work orders, both written and verbal, an appreciation for safety, strong communication skills, keen attention to detail, a sense of urgency and a passion for wine.   

Please visit our website at pennerash.com for more information and read on to learn more about the 2024 Internship position.   

International candidates are encouraged to apply.   

Competitive wages and season completion bonus now available!    

Position description   

We make world-class wine with traditional methods meaning we need a crew that’s motivated, eager, committed and ready to handle a variety of jobs to change gears quickly. Both harvest and the PNW weather can be stressful, but we like to have a good time and we love a good laugh.   

Under the general direction of the Associate Winemaker/Cellarmaster, the Harvest Intern performs a variety of indoor and outdoor tasks such as sanitizing tanks and other equipment, operating crush and press equipment, operating a forklift/electric pallet jack, filling barrels, topping wine, cap management, inoculations and additions, and stacking barrels.   

Essential duties and responsibilities   

Translation: There’s a bunch of stuff you know you’re going to do, and a bunch of stuff we’ll surprise you with last-minute. Being able to roll with the punches is important.    

Background and experience   

The ability to communicate effectively with good skills in reading, writing and basic math is required.  Must be able to read and interpret documents, such as safety rules and procedures, and be able to read cellar work orders, count barrels, record times and dates.  Individuals selected for this position must be reliable, punctual and have a good work ethic.  Must be willing to work flexible hours including overtime and varying shifts.   

Translation: While experience is helpful, it is not required and we enjoy having first-timers around. It’s an entirely new skill set for people who haven’t done it before and I think most of our crew leave pretty happy that they spent the season with us. Again, being flexible is important. During peak season (generally 4-6 weeks) we will be putting in long hours and you can expect to work 6 days a week, 12 hours a day (with overtime pay in accordance with state law).   

This position requires the ability to reach with hands and arms, sit, walk, climb, stoop and kneel, and are able to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.