Vineyard Manager

Vineyard Manager

The Vineyard Manager will oversee all aspects of the vineyard’s operations, from planting to harvest, ensuring the production of high-quality grapes that reflect the winery’s commitment to excellence. This role requires a deep knowledge of viticulture, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage a team while maintaining the vineyard’s operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a passion for sustainable farming practices, experience in vineyard management, and a commitment to producing exceptional wines.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations of the vineyard, ensuring the health and productivity of the grapevines throughout the growing season.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including planting, pruning, irrigation, pest control, and fertilization strategies.
• Monitor grapevine health, soil quality, and environmental conditions, making adjustments as needed to optimize grape production.
• Manage vineyard crew, including training, scheduling, and overseeing daily tasks to ensure that work is completed to the highest standards.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to assess grape quality and determine optimal harvest timing based on ripeness, acidity, and other key factors.
• Ensure the vineyard is maintained according to sustainable farming practices, including organic or biodynamic methods where applicable.
• Oversee irrigation systems, ensuring efficient water usage and proper soil moisture levels throughout the growing season.
• Monitor pest and disease pressures, implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to minimize the use of chemicals and protect the vineyard ecosystem.
• Maintain vineyard equipment and infrastructure, ensuring all tools, machinery, and systems are functioning properly and safely.
• Manage vineyard budget and resources, tracking expenses related to labor, materials, and equipment, and ensuring cost-efficiency without compromising quality.
• Keep detailed records of vineyard activities, including planting dates, harvest data, irrigation schedules, and pest management practices.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal agricultural regulations, including pesticide use, water rights, and labor laws.
• Collaborate with the vineyard and winery teams on long-term planning and goals to improve quality, yield, and sustainability.
• Participate in harvest activities, including overseeing picking crews, grape sorting, and transport to the winery for processing.
• Work with the marketing and events teams to offer educational vineyard tours and experiences, sharing knowledge of the vineyard’s practices and wines with visitors.
• Stay current on the latest industry trends, viticulture research, and innovations to improve vineyard management practices and grape quality.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the success of vineyard operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture, Enology, Agricultural Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in vineyard management, with a strong understanding of viticulture practices and grapevine care.
• Experience managing vineyard staff, including training, scheduling, and overseeing tasks.
• In-depth knowledge of vineyard equipment, irrigation systems, pest management, and sustainable farming practices.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Familiarity with vineyard management software or record-keeping systems.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and physical environments, with a willingness to perform hands-on tasks as needed.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to address issues such as pest management, irrigation challenges, or environmental concerns.
• Ability to work weekends and holidays during peak seasons (e.g., harvest).
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A passion for agriculture, winemaking, and the art of producing high-quality wines.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and work in physically demanding conditions.

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