Harvest Intern

Harper’s Rest is a small, premium estate winery in Russian River Valley. The estate winery facility is located outside Healdsburg, CA on Westside Road.

Moon Dust was first planted to Chardonnay in 1996, and Pinot Noir followed in 2007. This sandy soiled site keeps cool during the growing season in the Sebastopol Hills. There are 6 clones of Pinot Noir and 2 clones of Chardonnay, giving our winemaking team a diversity of material to vinify separately. Moon Dust is a certified organic regenerative vineyard.

Harper’s Rest sits on hallowed ground for Pinot and Chardonnay – a few hundred yards from the Russian River itself, this picturesque estate hosts 4 planted blocks of vines, the winery building, groves of ancient oak trees, and multiple hospitality spaces. There is a diversity of clones and aspects throughout the vineyard. We are converting this location to regenerative organic certification.

Our team is committed to low intervention, yet meticulous winemaking. Each of us has a passion for the tradition and craft of winemaking and a deep respect for the integrity of the fruit itself. To accomplish this low intervention vision, we will keep things very clean.

Our team is seeking a seasonal collaborator for the 2026 harvest who will help with all aspects of vinification in the cellar. Our team is excited to inaugurate the state‑of‑the‑art cellar we recently moved into, and a successful candidate will have experience with high levels of solo responsibility, as well as a team mentality. There are three full‑time members of the winemaking team, and we are hiring an additional three interns to help with harvest.

As an intern, you’ll be involved in every aspect of vinification, working closely with a small, dedicated winemaking team. The ideal candidate preferably brings prior harvest experience, a strong sense of initiative, and a team‑first mindset. If you're excited about great wine, thoughtful winemaking, and being part of a tight‑knit crew, we’d love to hear from you.

Potential start date August 10 th and potential end date October 26 th depending on the course of the growing season.

• Harvest Operations: Assist with fruit processing and sorting during harvest. Help conduct tank and bin dig‑outs and support general cellar clean‑up.
• Fermentation and Cap Management: Perform cap management techniques, including pump‑overs and punch‑downs. Assist in monitoring fermentation progress and record key metrics.
• Barrel & Cellar Work: Participate in barrel operations such as filling, racking, topping, transferring, and sanitation. Move barrels and assist with general cellar organization and workflow.
• Sanitization & Maintenance: Clean and sanitize tanks, hoses, and winemaking equipment in accordance with winery protocols. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the cellar and production areas.

Not everyone can be a Harvest Intern. To be seriously considered for the role here is what you’ll bring:

• Required
  • High school Diploma or GED
  • Must be at least 21 years of age due to the handling and/or tasting of alcoholic beverages as part of the job responsibilities, in compliance with state and federal alcohol regulations.

• Experience and an interest/passion in high‑end wine and wine making
• Knowledge of the winemaking process is a plus
• Punctual, reliable and honest
• Able to effectively communicate in English
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow instructions
• Comfortable working in wet, slippery, dark or confined spaces
• Positive “can‑do” attitude/strong work ethic
• Willingness to work long hours, including weekends
• Reliable transportation to/from work

• Lifting and Carrying: able to lift 50 lbs and perform repetitive physical tasks
• Standing and Walking: this could include standing for long periods or walking for extended periods throughout the day

If after reading through this long list…