Vineyard Manager
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Niagara Region,
Ontario
Join a progressive vineyard in the Niagara Peninsula that grows a variety of vinifera grape vines including Cabernet Franc & Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Our client is committed to making continued investments in their vines, equipment and facilities while ensuring a sustainable approach to viniculture practices. As the Vineyard Manager, lead with an intellectually curious mindset as you and your team determine and implement grape growing methods that will ensure a quality product for wineries in the region
Reporting to the ownership group, you will:
- Be the on-site lead for all vineyard operations including: determining spray and integrated pest management programs, grape growth (suckering, canopy management etc.), and harvesting
- Alongside the ownership group, develop a long-term strategy for enhancing vinicultural practices, sustainability of land stewardship, and grape quality, as well as areas for capital investment
- Arrange collaborative projects and studies with academic and government researchers to further the vineyard’s innovation and success
- Lead and manage a small team of seasonal workers to ensure all elements of planning and executing vinicultural practices and programs are completed
- Develop and grow relationships with customers, and ensure vineyard growing objectives align with demands and expectations
- Complete administrative requirements for the operation including monitoring and evaluating budgets, hiring and training employees, and more
Your background includes:
- A Degree or Diploma in Oenology/Viniculture, Science, Agriculture, Horticulture or related field. Master’s Degree an asset, but not a requirement
- Experience managing a vineyard operation preferred. Willing to consider farm management experience paired with a thorough knowledge of horticulture/crop agronomy
- A thorough knowledge of soils, drainage, nutrient management, insects, weed management, canopy management, and crop harvesting and handling. Prior experience with organic, biodynamic and sustainable farming strongly preferred
- A natural ability to lead and connect with people, as well as effective networking and relationship building abilities
- Strong organizational and analytical abilities
- Experience operating vineyard and/or farm equipment, and with repairs and maintenance
This position will require some work on weekends and holidays as well as occasional overtime.