Description
A proud member of SA Wine is seeking a Harvest Intern Cellar to join its winemaking team for the 2027 harvest season.
Join a leading South African wine producer based in the heart of the Cape Winelands. Renowned for its rich heritage, innovation, and diverse portfolio of wines, this respected industry player offers graduates a unique opportunity to gain practical exposure to large-scale wine production and vineyard operations during the harvest season. As part of the SA Wine Graduate Placement Programme, successful candidates will work alongside experienced wine professionals while developing valuable technical and operational skills.
This internship is designed for passionate Viticulture and Oenology graduates or final-year students seeking practical experience during the 2027 harvest season. The successful candidate will work alongside experienced winemakers and vineyard professionals, gaining exposure to grape intake, fermentation management, cellar operations, and vineyard practices within a commercial wine production environment.
- Assist with grape intake, sorting, and processing activities during harvest.
- Support fermentation management through routine monitoring and cellar operations.
- Perform pump-overs, punch-downs, additions, and other production-related tasks.
- Participate in pressing, barrel work, and wine transfers.
- Conduct basic laboratory analyses and record production data.
- Maintain cellar hygiene and adhere to food safety and quality standards.
- Work closely with winemakers and production teams to support daily harvest activities.
- Attend vineyard visits to gain insight into grape production and vineyard management practices.
- Practical exposure to harvest and cellar operations within a commercial wine environment.
- Mentorship from experienced winemakers and viticulture professionals.
- Insight into different winemaking styles, techniques, and production processes.
- Hands-on experience in laboratory procedures and fermentation management.
- Enhanced understanding of the relationship between vineyard practices and wine quality.
- Monthly internship allowance during the placement period.
- Exposure to one of South Africa's most established wine-producing regions.
- Industry networking opportunities with wine production professionals.
- Structured workplace learning to support career development in the wine sector.
- Practical experience that complements academic studies in viticulture and oenology.
- South African citizen, under the age of 30.
- Preference may be given to candidates from formerly disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Final-year student, diploma holder, or graduate in Viticulture and Oenology or a related field.
- Previous harvest or winemaking exposure will be advantageous.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to work in a physically demanding environment.
- Good communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team.
- High attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
- Passion for wine production and the South African wine industry.
- Availability to work overtime, shifts, weekends, and public holidays during peak harvest periods.
- Harvest internship based in the Cape Winelands, Western Cape.
- Fixed-term internship commencing during the 2027 harvest season (January 2027).
- Full-time placement with extended hours required during peak production periods.
Start Date: Mid-January 2027
Apply online with an updated CV and a short motivation letter outlining your interest in winemaking and wine production. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.