Harvest Lab Technician Internship

About C. Mondavi and Family

In 1943, Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the historic Charles Krug property, which to this day produces estate driven Napa Valley wines. The brands of C. Mondavi and Family-Charles Krug, Purple Heart Wines, and CK Mondavi and Family- were built on a foundation of family values, hard work, and a European winemaking tradition. The wineries are under the direction of Peter Mondavi Jr. and Marc Mondavi, who steward the family business passed to them by their father, legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi Sr. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, continuing a legacy started 75 years ago and setting a foundation for generations to come. For additional information, please visit charleskrug.com, ckmondavi.com, and purpleheartwine.com.

Job Summary:

The Harvest Laboratory Technician is responsible for the timely and accurate analysis of grapes, must, and wine for the multiple brands under the C. Mondavi and Family Company. All Laboratory personnel must operate in an “on demand” environment at times due to certain irregularities of the cellar work and should be prepared to be flexible and recognize priorities as may affect the winery as a whole. The position works closely with the Enologist to manage daily analysis work flow and special projects but must interface with the winemakers and cellar teams as well.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Juice and wine sampling from tanks, barrels

• Set up and calibration of laboratory equipment

• Prepare reagents and standard solutions

• Routine wine analysis including pH, TA, VA, ALC, FTSO2, MA, RS, BX, NOPA, AM, heat and cold stability, color and phenolics, and as may be required

• Filling in for Quality Control Lab personnel as needed to maintain bottling line quality

• Preparation of lab scale blends, trials, for acids, miscellaneous adjustments

• Set up/break down for tastings, trials as directed

• Swabbing of tanks and equipment for sanitation

• Handling of sanitation materials, SO2 solution, fining materials

• Adherence to safety rules and requirements in the laboratories and cellar

• Special projects and trials as required

• Vineyard berry sampling

• Yeast and bacteria inoculations and nutrient additions to tanks and barrels

• Brix and temperature monitoring

• Library wine inventory

• Promptly recording and reporting data

• Update SOPs

• Working in an efficient and timely manner while prioritizing multiple projects at once

• Participation in maintaining a safe, organized, clean working environment

Job Requirements:

• English reading and writing

• Bachelor of Science degree in Enology, Fermentation Science, Chemistry, Biology, or equivalent experience in a winery laboratory or as determined for the open position

• Knowledge of basic winery and cellar procedures a plus

• Proficiency in MS Office; experience with Winemaker’s Database a plus

• Must be punctual; must be available for overtime or flexible hours as required

• Ability to lift 40 pounds repetitively; able to manage cellar equipment, wet and cold working environments, standing for long periods of time, occasional use of ladders and catwalks, rough flooring, and exposure to common wine additives and products with appropriate protective gear.

• Traits for this position include: organizational skills, attention to detail, precision, and reproducibility, excellent communication skills, problem solving skills; the ability to follow through, self-manage, and communicate status on various tasks or research

• Position will require a positive outlook and demeanor, and the ability to work well with others.

General

• Position is hourly

• Hours: Non-harvest hours may alternate between 5 x 8 or 4 x 10 as determined by Supervisor. Harvest hours may range from 40-60 hours per week. Expect to work approximately 60 hours a week from late September to October

• Flexible scheduling and hours, seasonally or based on special projects/situation including weekends and shift work

• Employment may range from late June through November

• This role is principally based within the winery

• Reports to Lab Supervisor