Cellar Intern – Thelema Mountain Vineyards

Thelema Mountain Vineyards is looking for motivated, hardworking interns to join our winemaking team for the 2027 harvest. Our family-owned estate sits high on the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch. Interns get hands-on experience making premium red and white wines in a small, quality-focused cellar where everyone takes part in the work.

Requirements

• Senior Certificate, and a completed or current qualification in Winemaking, Viticulture or a related field
• Previous harvest or cellar experience is an advantage
• Willing to work flexible, extended hours, including weekends, during harvest
• Physically fit and comfortable with hands-on cellar and vineyard work
• Detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to cellar hygiene and safety
• Able to work under pressure as part of a close-knit team
• Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport
• Fluent in English and or Afrikaans, with good communication skills

Duties include but are not limited to

• Receiving, sorting, crushing and pressing grapes
• Monitoring fermentations (Brix, temperature, pump-overs and punch-downs)
• Making additions, including yeast rehydration and inoculation
• Barrel work: filling, topping and cleaning
• Cellar housekeeping, sanitation, and tank and equipment preparation
• Helping with routine lab analysis, harvest records and cellar admin
• Following food safety, health and hygiene procedures in all work areas
• Any other duties requested by the Winemaker or Management

What we offer

• Practical experience across the whole process, from vineyard to barrel
• Mentorship from an experienced winemaking team
• Market-related seasonal pay
• Possibility of accommodation