2026 Harvest Intern

Job Description:

Southwest Mountains Vineyards is a first-generation family-owned winery seeking a seasonal Harvest Intern for our annual 10,000+ case winemaking operation. This position gives the ideal candidate the ability to assist our Winemakers in producing premium estate grown vinifera wines including: Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Viognier, Petit Manseng and Gruner Veltliner which have been planted since 2016 and total more than 60 acres on two estate properties. A new 22,000 sq. ft. state of the art production facility was recently completed and is fully operational.

Downtown Charlottesville is located 15 minutes from the winery. There is an Amtrak Station allowing easy access to Washington DC and New York City. Charlottesville Airport is a 25-minute drive and Dulles International Airport is roughly 90 minutes away. Charlottesville is a wonderful small city complete with stellar dining, shopping, art galleries, performing arts, sporting events at the University of Virginia, music venues, not to mention a full array of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, watersports, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

As an emerging wine region, Virginia and the Monticello AVA offer the opportunity to network with other local winemakers who continually strive to raise the bar for Virginia wines. In 2023 the Monticello AVA was named Wine Region of The Year by Wine Enthusiast.

Job Description:
Our Harvest Intern position is a seasonal hourly position that will begin in late August and ends early to mid-November. This position will report directly to our Cellar Manager. In this role, you will support the 2026 grape harvest and assist in activities related to the winemaking process.

• Clean and sanitize all areas (facility and equipment).
• Fruit processing: fruit intake, sorting, destemming, crushing, press operation, etc.
• Assist with fermentation monitoring including sampling, processing, additions, cap management pump overs, punch downs and pressing.
• Perform barrel work including receiving, cleaning, preparing, racking, filling, and topping.
• Perform other duties as required or directed to ensure the smooth operation of winery activities.
• Perform basic equipment and building maintenance.

Qualifications:

• Previous harvest experience is preferred, but not mandatory.
• Ability to perform physical labor and lift up to 50lbs. on a regular basis.
• Applicants from outside the United States must be under 28 years of age and have a degree in viticulture or enology or be currently enrolled in a program in order to obtain a degree in a related field in order to obtain a visa.
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Work on and around ladders, catwalks, uneven flooring, in hot, cold, and wet environments: with typical winery chemical exposure and conditions.
• In this position, standing, kneeling, crouching, and climbing may be required.
• Able to work with a team in a supportive and positive atmosphere, strong organizational, teambuilding, problem solving skills, attention to detail, with ability to multi-task.

Compensation:
Hourly Wages Commensurate with Mid-Atlantic industry standards, and work experience. $20.00 per hour without housing. $18.00 with shared on-property housing available as part of employment.

Commencement:
August 2026

To apply, please e-mail the following to [email protected]
Cover Letter
Resume

Create a Job Alert

Receive an email alert when similar new jobs are posted. It's free, fast and easy.

Create Alert