Harvest Lab Technician - Sea Smoke Winery

Job Description

Located in Santa Rita Hills, Sea Smoke is an estate winery renowned for producing world‑class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded in 1999, the winery is known for its dramatic hillside vineyards, meticulous farming, and unwavering commitment to quality. Sea Smoke blends tradition with innovation, fostering a collaborative, hands-on culture dedicated to expressing the unique character of its site while setting a benchmark for excellence in California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Position Summary

We are seeking an individual who is eager to gain more experience in the field of enology through harvest laboratory operations and hands-on winemaking. The ideal candidate will have a passion for knowledge and a willingness to learn, with a background in enology, plant and beverage sciences, or the wine industry.  As a mid-size winery with estate and purchased fruit primarily analyzed in house, candidates should be prepared to participate in all aspects of lab work, as well as some cellar responsibilities. 

This is a temporary full-time, on-site seasonal assignment. Schedules are determined on an as-needed basis to keep up with grape processing. This may include weekend work, and overtime. We hope to start this assignment mid-August, with exact date communicated once growing season begins, and will generally end mid-November.

Laboratory Responsibilities

• Maturity sampling – organization of sample intake, collection, and analysis
• Instrument calibration and operation daily
• Fruit processing analysis and additions
• Ferment tracking and records
• Juice trials
• Sample collection, preparation, and analysis
• Previous vintage analysis and maintenance as required

Cellar Responsibilities

• Assist winemaking team with executing all winemaking operations to meet quality targets including but not limited to:
  • Fruit processing
  • Cap management
  • Tank and equipment cleaning
  • Additions/Inoculations
  • Barrel prep, cleaning, filling, and/or emptying

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to work from mid-August through mid-November
• Ability to work various shifts including weekends and overtime
• Ability to identify, analyze, and rectify data discrepancies with high levels of precision
• Excellent organizational and communication skills – oral and written
• Experience in computer applications (Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook)
• Interest in the winemaking process
• Ability to work well independently and in teams 
• Cultivate an understanding of winemaking procedures and production protocols

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous harvest experience
• Experience with Vintrace
• Strong sense of commitment
• Self-starter attitude

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:  

• Involves some prolonged outdoor exposure in a range of weather conditions, loud noises, toxic chemicals and working near moving mechanical parts
• Frequent walking, standing, sitting indoors and out. Must be able to stand and walk over rough or uneven terrain.
• Must be able to move up to 55 lbs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must be flexible with scheduling and willing to work long hours during peak harvest.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The salary range for this role is: $20.00/an hr - $25.00/an hr.

Equal Opportunity

Constellation Brands is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities with Constellation Brands, regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations).

Location

Lompoc, California

Additional Locations

Job Type

Full time

Job Area

Internships

Equal Opportunity

Constellation Brands is committed to a continuing program of equal employment opportunity. All persons have equal employment opportunities with Constellation Brands, regardless of their sex, race, color, age, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics), marital status, gender (including gender identity or gender expression), familial status, military or veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related conditions (or any other group or category within the framework of the applicable discrimination laws and regulations).