Company description

At Van Duzer, we approach winemaking with the belief that our quality comes from more than just our raw inputs, but from personal connection, fastidious attention to detail, and enjoyment in meeting a challenge. We know the quality of our wine comes from our team first, and the small daily actions required to make it happen. Van Duzer has a commitment to sustainability. We were one of the first Live certified vineyards and wineries, we want to make good wines today and long into the future.

We have two great estate properties in Dundee and the Van Duzer Corridor that we use to make sparkling wine, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. We produce wine for ourselves and our custom crush clients in small to medium lot fermenters, we will bring in about 350+ tons in 2022.

Internship description

The position will last from September until November/December. The position is a tradition winemaking cellar job.

Cellar Responsibilities:
• Clean and perform routine maintenance on winery facility and equipment in preparation for harvest.
• Process both red and white wine grapes after reception.
• Make wine movements, i.e., racking, of juice, must, and wines as needed.
• Assist with cap management, pump overs and punch downs.
• Perform tank dig outs and help load the press.
• Weigh, mix, and record additions to adjust juice, must, and wine.
• Prepare and add yeast to juice and must.
• Participate in both monitoring and management of fermentation.
• Clean, catalog, fill, and top barrels.
• Clean and perform routine maintenance of facility and equipment after harvest.
• Understand and follow all safety protocols as set by the winemaking staff.
• Identify and report unusual fermentation smells and appearances to winemaking staff.

Candidates must be able to:
• Have the ability to understand written and verbal instructions in English.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Have a good sense of humor (there will be cheesy winemaking jokes).
• Lift 50 pounds.
• Tolerate varying climactic conditions.
• Work days that most likely will exceed 10 hours.
• Be punctual.
• Pay attention to detail.
• Document work with great accuracy.
• Work with metric system.
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.
• Be willing to participate in recipe development and production of post-shift homebrews.
• Ability to operate a Forklift is a plus.
• Be flexible and willing to work varying shifts, overtime, extended hours and weekends.
• Mostly importantly have a true desire to make outstanding wine!

Van Duzer does have housing on site that is available free of charge during employment, and during the harvest period we also provide lunches for the staff.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, $15-20/hr

Work visa

This employer is willing to sponsor a work visa for international applicants

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline