At one point or another, just about everyone working in the wine business contemplates ditching their day job—at least temporarily—for a hands-on stint in the cellar or vineyard. You may be a sales rep looking for a deeper understanding of how grapes are farmed and what really goes into making great wines. Or perhaps you’re thinking of making a full-on career change and want to test the waters before jumping in.
The idea of doing a harvest internship can be both exciting and daunting. With options available at wineries around the world, how do you go about finding opportunities, determining the right fit, and landing a job?
The first step, says Courtney Carroll, is to do some soul searching. Carroll spent years in wine communications, education, and sustainability before taking on internships in France, the U.K., Oregon, and California. “Be clear about why you want to be there,” she says. “Lead with humility and seek out producers whose values match your own.”
Once you’ve determined that a harvest gig is right for you, here’s how to get started—and what to expect along the way.
Search the job boards
Wine-focused job boards are a solid place to start the search. Wineries in the United States and Europe typically post internship opportunities from January through April while Southern Hemisphere producers tend to list them from August through October.
WineJobs is the largest and most active site for U.S.-based internships. Wine schools and universities, such as Washington State University, also maintain seasonal job boards. Some—including UC Davis, Fresno State, and California Polytechnic State University—run harvest placement programs for current and former students.
For wine industry professionals longing to work with a specific winery, check the company’s website. Many post internships on their “careers” page in addition to listing on third-party sites. Those hoping for international internships should check out sites like France’s Vitijob , New Zealand Winegrowers, Wine Jobs Australia, and Wine Industry Jobs’ Australia and New Zealand portal.
Elizabeth Price, the undergraduate advisor and graduate coordinator for the viticulture and enology department at UC Davis, says people seeking jobs overseas will need to do some extra legwork. “Review the visa process for specific countries,” she says. “There are different regulations and requirements.”
Government websites, such as the portal run by the European Commission, outline the visa process and requirements for seasonal workers. Potential employers can also help interns navigate the system. While language fluency isn’t always required, notes Carroll, proficiency is definitely a plus.
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