Job Details
Job Title: Harvest Lab Intern
Job Type: Seasonal
Job Description: Harvest internships at our Silver Oak Napa Valley facility are a wonderful opportunity to have a lot of fun and learn about winemaking while working alongside our small and talented winemaking team. We are dedicated to crafting ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon with a focus on producing our Napa Valley and Timeless labels. The Lab harvest position is responsible for running all analysis with a concentration on quality.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Interface with Enologist on analytical responsibilities.
• Process grape maturity samples.
• Perform manual and automated analysis of all juice and wines which may include brix, pH, TA, alcohol, and enzymatic analysis of residual sugar, malic acid, potassium, ammonia, YAN, and phenolics.
• Prepare reagents and standards.
• Calibrate lab equipment.
• Pull samples from tanks or barrels and complete analysis requested by Winemaker, Assistant Winemaker, and Enologist.
• Managing and maintaining experiments including but not limited to: gathering maturity samples, vineyard observations and data, and performing associated analysis.
• Detailed record keeping of all analysis including experimental lots.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Enology, Chemistry, or associated sciences is preferred.
• Experience in the cellar or lab is a plus.
• Knowledge and use of Vintrace is a bonus.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Acute attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Proficient on: Microsoft Office, including Excel, MS Word
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work on complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance.
• Working knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and troubleshooting, and wine laboratory analysis.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to understand all safety requirements and cautions.
• Knowledge of wines and wine production.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:
o Walk, kneel, bend, and stand.
o Stand for extended periods of time.
o Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
o Climb stairs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Work is mainly performed both in a normal lab environment and in the cellar where there may be varying temperature conditions. The ability to stand and walk on concrete floors, catwalks, wet or uneven ground may be required.
• Noise levels are usually moderate but may be moderate to high at times.
• Floors may be wet and slippery, proper footwear is required.
• Work may include handling caustic/corrosive chemicals.
The above reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Interface with Enologist on analytical responsibilities.
• Process grape maturity samples.
• Perform manual and automated analysis of all juice and wines which may include brix, pH, TA, alcohol, and enzymatic analysis of residual sugar, malic acid, potassium, ammonia, YAN, and phenolics.
• Prepare reagents and standards.
• Calibrate lab equipment.
• Pull samples from tanks or barrels and complete analysis requested by Winemaker, Assistant Winemaker, and Enologist.
• Managing and maintaining experiments including but not limited to: gathering maturity samples, vineyard observations and data, and performing associated analysis.
• Detailed record keeping of all analysis including experimental lots.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Enology, Chemistry, or associated sciences is preferred.
• Experience in the cellar or lab is a plus.
• Knowledge and use of Vintrace is a bonus.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Acute attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Proficient on: Microsoft Office, including Excel, MS Word
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work on complex projects with general direction and minimal guidance.
• Working knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and troubleshooting, and wine laboratory analysis.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to understand all safety requirements and cautions.
• Knowledge of wines and wine production.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:
o Walk, kneel, bend, and stand.
o Stand for extended periods of time.
o Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
o Climb stairs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Work is mainly performed both in a normal lab environment and in the cellar where there may be varying temperature conditions. The ability to stand and walk on concrete floors, catwalks, wet or uneven ground may be required.
• Noise levels are usually moderate but may be moderate to high at times.
• Floors may be wet and slippery, proper footwear is required.
• Work may include handling caustic/corrosive chemicals.
The above reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
Pay Scale: $22-24
Job Location: Oakville, CA
Start Date: August 04, 2025
End Date: November 07, 2025
Company Name: Silver Oak Cellars
Company Description: Founded in 1972, we are a family owned and operated winery located in Oakville, CA that focuses on ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon. We thrive in progressing sustainability as we build the world's first LEED platinum certified wineries both at our Oakville and Alexander Valley properties. Our winemaking philosophy is that we have yet to make our best bottle. Our purpose is create joyful, meaningful, and memorable moments.
Contact Name: Josh Toepfer
Contact E-mail: jtoepfer@silveroak.com
Phone: 707-364-7589
Website: https://silveroak.com/
Application Deadline: Application is open until filled