Vineyard Maturity & Sampling Intern (Full-Time Seasonal)

Job Title: Vineyard Maturity & Sampling Intern

Reports To: Vineyard Manager

FLSA: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Location: 2910 Limestone Way, Paso Robles, CA 93446

Standard Hours: 8 am - 4:30 pm, variable based on Harvest Needs

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour, DOE

Status: Full Time 32-40 hours/week, Seasonal classification

Season Start/End: August – December

About ONX Wines: 

ONX Estate Wines is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Vineyard Maturity & Sampling Intern to support both vineyard and winemaking operations during the harvest season. This unique internship offers hands-on experience across viticulture and enology, providing exposure to fruit development, vineyard operations, and laboratory analysis.

We specialize in blends from our west-side estate located in the Templeton Gap AVA and partner with premium vineyards across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. Our goal is to craft wines that reflect the character of the land, the people, and the process behind them.

Job Details: 

The Vineyard Maturity & Sampling Intern plays a critical role in monitoring fruit development and supporting harvest readiness. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting fruit maturity assessments by following daily sampling schedules
• Collecting grape cluster samples from estate and partner vineyards across SLO and Santa Barbara Counties
• Preparing grape samples for laboratory analysis, including juice processing
• Assisting with vineyard scouting, crop estimation, and general vineyard operations as needed
• Maintaining cleanliness and sanitation of all lab equipment, tools, and workspaces
• Supporting coordination between vineyard and production teams during harvest

Additional Scheduling Information: 

During the pre-harvest period, schedules may vary based on vineyard sampling needs. Once harvest begins, hours will increase and may include extended shifts, weekend work, and overtime. Harvest timing is dependent on fruit conditions, requiring flexibility and adaptability.

This role involves regular travel to multiple vineyard sites, including ONX Estate and partner vineyards throughout the Central Coast.

Required Experience, Education, & Skills: 

Candidates Must:

• Have a general understanding of grapes and grapevines
• Possess excellent attention to detail
• Be a team player and willing to support where needed
• Be dependable and flexible, with the ability to work overtime and weekends during harvest
• Be prompt and reliable with strong work ethic
• Have a clean DMV record, a valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation
• Be enthusiastic, motivated, and take pride in their work
• Have the ability to read, write, and speak English
• Have basic math skills

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

• Walk, kneel, bend, and stand for prolonged periods
• Climb stairs
• Lift and move up to 60 lbs
• Work in varying environmental conditions, including outdoor vineyard settings and indoor lab/cellar environments
• Navigate steep and uneven vineyard terrain

Additional Details:

This job description is a summary of typical job functions and is not intended to be exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs. ONX Wines is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.