College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

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Winemaking & Spirits Distillation Internship 2023

Duration: July-December 2023

Locations: Modesto, Fresno, Livingston, Healdsburg or Lodi, CA or Canandaigua, NY

Application Deadline: March 31, 2023

Program Description

Imagine what you could do with the industry’s most innovative grape growing, winemaking and distillation technologies at your disposal while learning first-hand how high-quality wines and spirits are produced. Interns work cross-functionally to support the production practices and research projects required to craft nearly 100 million cases of wines and spirits annually. It won’t take long for you to see our passion and expertise for wine and spirits production or to experience our culture where research and continuous improvement are highly valued. For nearly a century our team has produced award winning wines and spirits production or to experience our culture where research and continuous improvement are highly valued. For nearly a century our team has produced award-winning wines and spirits while performing cutting-edge research and establishing E&J Gallo as the world’s leader in wine and spirits innovation.

Our internship program provides individuals interested in winemaking and spirits distillation the opportunity to spend five to six months working alongside seasoned professionals at one of our production sites. Most internships begin in early to mid-summer and continue through harvest into the late fall, providing participants with a unique experience for technical training and professional development. Interns support a wide variety of corporate initiatives and research projects and conduct individual projects which will be presented to our management team at the completion of their internship. Internship opportunities are related but not limited to a wide variety of academic disciplines including Enology, Food Science, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology and Microbiology. Additional details on specific opportunities are provided below.

Placement Opportunities:

• Winemaking Interns assist with production winemaking at the commercial scale at one of our wineries in Modesto, Fresno, Livingston or Lodi, CA; or in Canandaigua, NY.
• Research Winemaking Interns assist with the production of small-lots – with volumes ranging from 10-gallons to 1,000-gallons – at either Modesto, Livingston, or Healdsburg
• Spirits Distillation Interns assist with the commercial production of brandy and other spirits at either Modesto, Livingston, or Fresno.

WINEMAKING

Locations: Modesto, Fresno, Livingston and Lodi, CA; and Canandaigua, NY.

Duration: July - December

Interns will work and learn from winemakers responsible for the production of table wines, sparkling wines, flavored wines and other beverages.

What You Will Do:

• Participate in harvest evaluations and trials including, but not limited to, sample acquisition, production practices and fermentation monitoring.
• Participate in wine tasting and sensory evaluation.
• Perform fining, blending and other winemaking trials.
• Participate in the production, sensory evaluation and bottling of commercial wines and beverages.

RESEARCH WINEMAKING

Location: Modesto, Livingston, and Healdsburg, CA

Duration: July-December

Interns will assist in all aspects of small-lot wine production in our Modesto (10-gallon scale), Livingston (600-gallon scale), or Healdsburg (600-gallon scale) research wineries, which produce over 500 table, sparkling and dessert wines per season. Interns work hands-on - from grape crush to bottling - in every step of the winemaking process. Our facilities support statewide research programs and allow interns to produce wines from grapes grown in many different winegrowing regions of California. Interns will also gain experience in producing a wide variety of wine styles and types, including white & red table, and sparkling & dessert wines. Interns will also work with dozens of grape varieties and gain experience with a wide range of processing and winemaking methods.

What You Will Do:

• Grape receiving, crushing, and pressing.
• Fermentation monitoring, filtration, ingredient additions, and post-fermentation treatments.
• Assist with bench, pilot, and plant scale experiments, including recording and documenting data.
• Participate in wine tasting and sensory evaluation.

SPIRITS DISTILLATION

Location: Modesto, Livingston and Fresno, CA

Duration: July – December

The internship provides students with the opportunity to learn from experienced distillers producing a variety of spirits. Spirits-making is an area of rapid growth for Gallo and the environment is dynamic as we learn how to distill and craft new beverages.

What You Will Do:

• Manage bench-scale trials to problem solve current production issues.
• Evaluate process improvements in making and managing our spirits portfolio.
• Monitor fermentation and distillation facilities during harvest.
• Participate in spirits tasting and sensory evaluation.

What You Will Need

• Currently enrolled at a college or university and working towards a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in the school of Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or Engineering; OR have obtained a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree from the school of Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or Engineering.
• Strong applied technical skills and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Candidates for this position must have a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. Required to obtain a California driver’s license or appropriate state driver’s license within 30 days of hire.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• Available for the entire duration of the internship program area(s) of interest.
• Required to lift and move up to 40 lbs. when necessary.
• Required to work at heights of 50 feet, on tops of tanks inspecting wine surfaces when necessary.
• Required to be 21 years of age.
• Requires availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays when necessary.

What Will Set You Apart

• Junior or Senior class standing at a college or university and working towards a Bachelor’s degree in the school of Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or Engineering; OR working towards a Master’s degree in the school of Life Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, or Engineering.
• Excellent organizational and team skills and experience managing multiple assignments.
• Comfortable in a manufacturing environment.
• Mechanical inclination and an aptitude for design of equipment and manufacturing processes

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Inside/Outside conditions: During crush, work estimated at least 50% (but not limited to) outside with weather of varying types.
• Must be able to lift and carry 40 pounds.
• Wet/Slippery conditions vary and may include work in rain.
• Noise levels may vary. Occasional situations where ear protection is required.

Gallo does not sponsor for employment based visas for this position now or in the future.

Gallo is an Equal Employment opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles (such as braids, locks, and twists), color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law (including cancer and predisposing genetic characteristics in California), genetic information, marital status, familial status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation (actual or perceived), transgender status, sex stereotyping, age, military or veteran status, domestic violence or sexual assault victim status, or any other basis protected by applicable law. 

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Gallo is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process.   If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at 209.341.7000.

Nearest Major Market: Modesto
Job Segment: Summer Internship, Intern, Entry Level, Research