Vineyard Maturity & Sampling Intern

ONX Wines & Vineyards is seeking a full-time seasonal intern to help its vineyard team monitor fruit maturity and prepare for the 2026 harvest in Paso Robles, California. Owned by the Olson family, ONX farms its estate vineyards organically and produces limited-edition wines with a close production team. This position connects field observation, grape sampling, laboratory preparation, and harvest decision support. Core responsibilities • Follow the daily sampling schedule and collect representative grape clusters from assigned blocks • Travel to the ONX estate and partner vineyards across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties • Prepare grape samples for analysis, including processing fruit into juice • Complete fruit-maturity assessments carefully and keep samples and work areas organized • Assist with vineyard scouting, crop estimates, and general vineyard operations when needed • Clean and sanitize laboratory equipment, tools, and workspaces • Communicate clearly with the vineyard and production teams as harvest priorities change Requirements Candidates need a general understanding of grapes and grapevines, basic math skills, and the ability to read, write, and speak English. ONX is looking for someone reliable, prompt, motivated, and attentive to detail who can contribute to a team and step into supporting work when needed. A valid driver's license, clean driving record, reliable transportation, and authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship are required. This is active field and laboratory work. The intern must be able to walk, kneel, bend, climb stairs, stand for extended periods, lift and move up to 60 pounds, and travel over steep or uneven vineyard ground. Work occurs in outdoor vineyard conditions as well as indoor lab and cellar spaces. Schedule and pay The season is expected to run from August through December. Standard hours are 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., generally 32–40 hours per week, but timing varies with harvest needs. Extended shifts, weekends, and overtime may be required once harvest begins. Pay is $19–$21 per hour depending on experience. Apply through the role page on ONX's own careers site.