Winemaking and Spirits Distillation Intern

A Taste of What You’ll Do​

Imagine immersing yourself in the heart of innovation in grape cultivation, winemaking, and distillation. As an intern, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience in crafting world-class wines and spirits, collaborating with industry experts to support essential production practices and pioneering research projects. Our production sites are responsible for nearly 100 million cases annually, embodying a passion for excellence and an unwavering commitment to research and continuous improvement. For nearly a century, our team has not only won awards for our exceptional products but has also led groundbreaking research, positioning Gallo as a global leader in wine and spirits innovation.

Our internship program is a unique opportunity for those passionate about winemaking and spirits distillation, offering a five- to six-month immersive experience at one of our production sites. Beginning in early to mid-summer and extending through the harvest into late fall, interns receive comprehensive technical training and professional development. You will contribute to various corporate initiatives and research projects and lead your own, which you will present to our management team at the culmination of your internship. We welcome interns from diverse academic backgrounds, including but not limited to Enology, Food Science, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, and Microbiology. This program is designed to foster inclusivity, drawing on diverse perspectives to enrich our innovative spirit. We invite individuals from all walks of life to apply, ensuring a wide range of voices contribute to our dynamic team.

Join us and discover the rewarding journey of creating high-quality wines and spirits while engaging in cutting-edge research and development. With our commitment to diversity and inclusion, you will find a welcoming environment that values your unique contributions and encourages your growth. Embark on this exciting adventure with Gallo, where your passion meets opportunity.

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, CA.

Spirits Distillation Interns assist with the commercial production of brandy, whiskey, rum, flavored vodkas, hard seltzers, and other spirits at either Modesto, Livingston, or Fresno, CA.

WINEMAKING

Locations: Modesto, Fresno, Livingston and Lodi, CA.

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 product 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

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

This 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’ll Need​

• Currently enrolled at a college or university and working towards a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree OR have obtained a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in the following areas: School of Life Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, or School of Engineering (Business or social sciences degrees are not eligible for this internship, such as ag business, psychology, etc).
• Available for the entire duration of the internship program area(s) of interest.
• Candidate is required to have a valid driver’s license, a safe driving record and reliable vehicle (if applicable) at the time of hire. This position will undergo a motor vehicle check (MVR) to confirm a history of safe and responsible driving. If needed, candidate must obtain the appropriate state driver’s license based on the position’s location within 30 days of hire.
• Required to travel to and from varying winery locations up to 10% of the time.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.
• 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.
• Strong applied technical skills and analytical problem-solving skills.
• Good oral and written communication skills.

To view a full job description, please click here.​