Seasonal Grower Relations Intern - Fresno

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Department Head and Grower Relations Senior Representatives, the Grower Relations Intern supports vineyard operations, grower communications, and harvest coordination. This six-month, hands-on internship provides practical exposure to commercial viticulture and winery grower relations in California’s Central Valley. The intern assists with vineyard monitoring, data collection, crop estimation, maturity sampling, and grower interactions, gaining a full-season perspective from early summer through harvest. This position is ideal for individuals pursuing a career in viticulture, enology/winemaking, or agricultural management and is expected to begin in June.

As a core component of the internship, the intern completes a season-long project integrating vineyard operations, grower relations, and winemaking objectives. The intern is encouraged to propose and develop a project idea, subject to approval by a Grower Relations Senior Representative and relevant stakeholders. The project is intended to provide ownership, applied learning, and cross-functional exposure. The intern provides periodic progress updates and delivers a final written and/or oral presentation summarizing the project’s objectives, methodology, results, challenges, and key learnings at the conclusion of the internship term.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist with vineyard monitoring, including phenology tracking, vine health assessments, irrigation observations, and pest/disease scouting.
• Support grower relations activities by maintaining professional, timely communication with growers and vineyard managers.
• Collect grape maturity samples; process samples; and assist with basic fruit chemistry analysis (e.g., Brix and other maturity metrics, as applicable).
• Create, maintain, and distribute a weekly maturity sampling schedule; coordinate with vineyard teams and growers to ensure timely collection, delivery, and reporting of results throughout the season.
• Participate in crop estimation, yield tracking, and harvest data collection.
• Support harvest preparation and logistics, including scheduling support, vineyard readiness checks, and coordination with winery personnel.
• Maintain accurate vineyard and grower records—including irrigation observations, sampling results, crop estimates, and harvest metrics—using vineyard management software and/or spreadsheets.
• Work closely with the winemaking team and external growers to develop alignment on grape maturity and harvest timing.
• Participate in occasional winemaking tastings (schedule permitting) to observe QC review and fermenter evaluation during harvest, build cross-functional relationships, and understand how maturity and picking decisions influence wine style and quality.
• Support special vineyard or grower-related projects as assigned.
• Comply with all company safety policies, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of vineyard and winery operations.
• This job description summarizes the typical functions of the internship and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, tasks, or duties. Responsibilities may vary, and additional duties may be assigned as business needs require.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Current senior or recent graduate in Viticulture, Enology, Agricultural Science, or a related field preferred.
• Must be 21 years of age or older at the start of employment.
• Interest in vineyard operations, grower relations, and wine grape production.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with GIS software preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to collect, organize, and record data accurately.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines accurately, and work with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; exercises sound judgment and discretion.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation required (mileage reimbursed; company vehicle not provided).
• Willingness to work flexible hours during peak seasonal demands, including harvest.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this internship, the intern frequently:
• Walks, stands, kneels, bends, and climbs for extended periods, often on uneven vineyard terrain.
• Works outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and dust.
• Lifts and carries up to 50 pounds.
• Performs repetitive hand and arm movements related to sampling and data collection.
• Drives to multiple vineyard locations throughout the Central Valley.
• Work is primarily performed in vineyards throughout California’s Central Valley, with some time in winery and office environments. The intern may be exposed to agricultural chemicals in accordance with applicable safety regulations and training. The role involves working around heavy and/or loud machinery (e.g., tractors and winery processing equipment). Summer heat may be significant. Work schedules may include early mornings, weekends, and extended hours during critical vineyard and harvest periods.

COMPENSATION

• Hourly Pay Rate Posted: $24.00/hr.

At The Wine Group, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristic protected by law.

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