Harvest Research Enologist at Jackson Family Wines Sonoma, CA

Description

Position Title:

Harvest Research Enologist

Location:

Carneros Hills Winery, Sonoma, CA

Reports To:

Research Manager

Under the general direction of the Research Manager, this position will be an integrated member of the Winemaking Technical Services (WTS) team from July to early December. We are looking for a strong candidate to work on a variety of wine quality research projects with time split between the cellar, lab, and vineyard. This position requires a hands‑on approach, a high level of organization, and attention to technical detail in both laboratory and production environments.

Responsibilities will vary over the course of the season and are divided between all members of the WTS team.

Specific Duties

• Cellar Work within a Research Winery
  • Perform all winery cellar operations, including monitoring and managing primary and secondary fermentation, juice and wine racking, sanitation, and hand‑bottling
  • Communicate and collaborate with wider production staff to schedule fruit processing and cellar logistics
• Advanced Laboratory Analysis
  • Prepare and complete advanced laboratory analysis of grape, juice, and wine samples
  • Coordinate with the production laboratory on standard juice and wine analysis
  • Interpret lab analysis and organize results within Excel or LIMS
  • Follow daily quality control checks and protocols
• Vineyard Sampling
  • Perform vineyard sampling at various locations as outlined by specific research projects
• General
  • Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the WTS laboratory and winery
  • Communicate workflow through daily schedules and meetings
  • Participate in the sensory analysis of wines
  • Occasional travel between several winery and vineyard sites in Sonoma County
  • Additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned by supervisor

Background and

Experience:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a scientific or technical field, including but not limited to Enology & Viticulture, Food Science, Chemistry, Geology, Biology, or Environmental Science.
• Experience in both cellar and laboratory environments is strongly preferred.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills in Word and Excel are required.
• The position requires the ability to stand for long periods of time, occasionally reach with hands and arms, occasionally sit, walk, climb, stoop, or kneel, and be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

• This candidate must possess a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

• Some overtime is expected during the peak harvest season.

Wage Transparency

The base pay for this role ranges from $22.00 - $26.00 per hour. Compensation will be determined by candidate experience, skills, and location.

At Jackson Family Wines, we respect, celebrate, and take pride in each other’s differences. Together we nurture a culture that embraces fairness, acceptance and belonging. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our best innovation, enrich our employees, and connect us to our customers and global community. We aspire to evolve in our commitment for a better future and one that is rooted for good.