Job Description
Job Description:
Harvest Enologist - Los Altos Vineyards, LLC
Seasonal Position (Full-Time During Harvest)
Reports To: Winemaker
About Los Altos Vineyards
Los Altos Vineyards is a boutique winery dedicated to crafting exceptional, vineyard-driven wines. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, our estate is home to an eight-acre Pinot Noir vineyard that produces elegant wines reflecting the unique character of this renowned appellation. We also farm a second vineyard in the Cloverdale Peak region of Alexander Valley, where we cultivate Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Chardonnay, and other premium varietals.
Our philosophy is simple: produce the finest wines possible from every vintage. We believe exceptional wine begins in the vineyard and is realized through meticulous attention to detail at every stage of the winemaking process. From farming practices and harvest decisions to fermentation management and aging, every step is approached with precision, curiosity, and respect for the fruit.
At Los Altos Vineyards, we embrace a culture of continuous improvement. We are constantly evaluating, refining, and elevating our vineyard and winery practices in pursuit of excellence. We call this our "100-Point Mindset"—a commitment to never settling, always learning, and striving to produce wines of extraordinary quality, regardless of vintage or scale.
If you are passionate about premium wine, eager to learn, and excited to be part of a collaborative team committed to craftsmanship and innovation, you'll find an exceptional opportunity to grow at Los Altos Vineyards.
Position Summary
The Harvest Enologist plays a key role in supporting all aspects of harvest, winemaking, and laboratory operations. This position is ideal for an early-career enologist with 1–2 years of winery experience who is eager to expand technical knowledge while working closely with the winemaking team. The Harvest Enologist is responsible for maintaining accurate laboratory analyses, ensuring timely data collection, supporting fermentation management, and assisting with all cellar operations necessary to produce premium wines.
This is a hands-on position requiring flexibility, attention to detail, and a willingness to work extended hours during harvest.
Essential Responsibilities
Laboratory & Quality Control
Perform routine laboratory analyses including:
Brix
pH
Titratable Acidity (TA)
YAN
Malic Acid
Alcohol
SO2
Volatile Acidity (VA)
Prepare and calibrate laboratory equipment.
Collect representative juice, must, and wine samples.
Maintain laboratory records and enter analytical data into winery software.
Ensure laboratory cleanliness and adherence to safety procedures.
Harvest & Fermentation Management
Monitor fermentations and provide daily reports to the winemaker.
Assist with inoculations, nutrient additions, enzyme additions, and acid adjustments.
Track fermentation temperatures and kinetics.
Coordinate sampling schedules throughout fermentation.
Prepare work orders for cellar operations.
Cellar Support
Assist with fruit receiving and processing.
Participate in crushing, pressing, punch-downs, pump-overs, and barrel work.
Assist with wine transfers, racking, filtration, and bottling preparation.
Help maintain sanitation throughout the winery.
Operate winery equipment safely and efficiently.
Record Keeping
Maintain accurate harvest logs and production records.
Record additions and cellar operations in compliance with TTB and winery standards.
Assist in inventory tracking of laboratory chemicals and winemaking supplies.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Enology, Viticulture, Fermentation Science, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field preferred.
1–2 years of commercial winery harvest or cellar experience.
Basic understanding of wine chemistry and fermentation science.
Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation and analytical procedures.
Strong organizational and record-keeping skills.
Excellent attention to detail.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and climb for extended periods.
Comfortable working in hot, cold, wet, and noisy environments.
Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays during harvest.
Ability to safely work around winery chemicals and equipment.
Preferred Skills
Experience with winery software (Vintrace, InnoVint, or similar).
Forklift certification (or willingness to obtain).
Basic Microsoft Excel and data management skills.
Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
Passion for premium wine production.
Success Measures
The Harvest Enologist will be successful by:
Delivering timely and accurate laboratory analyses.
Maintaining complete and organized production records.
Supporting efficient fermentation management.
Demonstrating attention to quality and sanitation.
Collaborating effectively with the cellar and vineyard teams.
Contributing to a safe, efficient, and positive harvest environment.
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Job Tags
Full time, Seasonal work, Weekend work