Fields of Opportunity - why should students participate?

Fields of Opportunity was created, in partnership with NVUSD and NVEF, to connect high school students with our largest local industry to explore rewarding career options in their own backyard.

​Students will have an opportunity to work with Napa Valley Grapegrowers throughout the summer to learn various aspects of the vineyard business as well as soft-skills career training. The opportunities are paid and could include, but are not limited to, the vit tech team, irrigation department, tasting room, office, vineyards, or winery production.
"I liked this program because I learned more about what is going on in our community and that there are a lot of jobs in the wine industry. I definitely want to look at a career in viticulture or maybe enology."
-Marco 

Criteria to Apply

Students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds will be given priority.
  • You must currently be enrolled in high school at time of application
  • 16 years or older
  • Able to commit to 8-week program
  • Interest in learning about a career in the wine industry
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills
  • Flexibility to do a variety of jobs in the vineyard and winery if required by the position

Key Dates for Students

  • Application Period: Extended through April 8th, 2022
  • Student Interviews: April 20 and 21, 2022
  • Selection Date: April 29, 2022
  • Program Duration: June 20 - August 12, 2022
"I liked working outside, especially in the mornings. We did things like collect sugar samples or scouted for pests. Before this summer, I wasn't thinking about a job in this field, but now after working at Hall Wines under viticulturist Sarah Lansing, I am considering working in the wine industry."
-Montserrat 

2022 Participating Employers

  • Yount Mill Vineyards
  • Napa Wine Company
  • Pine Ridge Vineyards
  • Walsh Vineyards Management
  • Opus One
  • Foley Family Wines
  • Jericho Canyon Vineyards
  • Viader Vineyards and Winery
  • Larkmead Vineyards
  • Hudson Ranch
  • Hall Wines
  • V.Sattui Winery
  • Tres Sabores
  • Jessup Cellars
  • Renteria Vineyard Management
  • The Napa Valley Reserve
  • Silverado Farming Company
  • Corison Winery
  • Beckstoffer Vineyards
"Everything about Hudson Ranch is pretty mesmerizing. It is beautiful and the people are very welcoming. I learned to work with elevated clientele and to see how hospitality works in Napa. I found my hospitality voice! I liked the Friday workshops because it was nice to connect with other people in the program at other companies and hear how their week went."
-Ximena