Harvest Lab Technician - Penner-Ash Wine Cellars

Penner-Ash Wine Cellars is a renowned winery located in the heart of the Northern Willamette Valley, known for its commitment to crafting small-lot, vineyard-designate wines. Working with fruit from more than twenty sustainably farmed vineyards, Penner-Ash blends tradition with innovation to produce exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier. This focus on sustainability and quality has cemented Penner-Ash as a respected name in the wine industry, contributing to the vibrant wine culture of Oregon. As part of the Jackson Family Wines portfolio, the winery upholds high standards of craftsmanship, environmental stewardship, and community involvement.

The 2026 Cellar/Lab Hybrid Internship at Penner-Ash offers a comprehensive and immersive experience tailored for individuals interested in viticulture and enology. This seasonal, temporary role typically begins in late August and extends through harvest season, ending between late October and early November. The internship involves a blend of laboratory and cellar responsibilities, providing a valuable, hands-on understanding of the winemaking process from vineyard to bottle.

Interns will engage in a variety of tasks ranging from harvest preparation, cleaning, and vineyard sampling to more technical aspects such as juice and wine analysis using advanced equipment like the Y-15 and autotitrator. The role emphasizes the application of scientific analysis to inform winemaking decisions, offering interns a chance to work closely with the winemaking team to monitor fermentation, assess juice panels, and oversee daily lab tests. Proficiency in data entry, organization, and the use of software such as Excel is essential, supporting the effective tracking of wine development.

Further, the position demands physical stamina and adaptability, with duties including handling chemicals safely, sampling tanks, facilitating tank additions and inoculations, and assisting with cellar work like punch downs and pump overs. The internship not only fosters technical skills but also cultivates problem-solving capabilities by involving interns in troubleshooting lab equipment and performing benchtop trials.

This role is ideal for candidates who are self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to develop both their analytical and practical winemaking skills. Prior experience in cellar or lab environments, familiarity with enology instruments, and relevant educational backgrounds such as degrees in Enology or Fermentation Science are highly valued. Penner-Ash provides a supportive environment where interns can gain meaningful insights into the nuances of quality wine production while contributing to a sustainable and innovative winery operation.

Intern compensation for this position ranges from $19.50 to $24.50 per hour, commensurate with experience and skills. As an equal opportunity employer, Jackson Family Wines, including Penner-Ash, is committed to fostering a diverse workplace free from discrimination. This internship represents an excellent opportunity to cultivate professional growth within a respected industry leader dedicated to excellence and sustainability in winemaking.