Viticulturist
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Osoyoos,
British Columbia
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity….
‘Winemaking in some major regions of the world can be an ‘industrial’ undertaking, but for us, winemaking is an ‘artform’. Each vintage is the result of a creative process, backed by science and the result of hundreds of years of learning, guided by the hands of highly skilled and passionate experts who need to anticipate and adapt to the specific differences of each and every vintage. We are artisans, crafting wines in one of the smallest wine regions in the world, working to define the Okanagan and put our region on the world stage.
This is the only wine region on earth created first by volcanic activity and then shaped by two subsequent glacial ages. A desert in the rain shadow of the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia. Warm days, cool nights and the lowest rainfall of any wine-producing region in the world make this an optimal climate for producing wines of tremendous elegance and distinctiveness. Properties include Mission Hill Family Estate, Cedar Creek Estate Winery, Martin’s Lane Winery, Road 13, Checkmate Artisanal Winery, Liquidity and Red Barn. The common purpose, to produce wines that can stand alongside the best in the world.
Our vineyards.
We’ve developed exceptional vineyards over the last 40 years with distinctive clones, the oldest being from 1942. With each vintage the quality and character of these wines continue to improve as our on-site viticulture team painstakingly study and research each row to produce defined micro-blocks, each a pure expression of the soil and the unique microclimates that define the Okanagan Valley.
No one else in the Okanagan has invested in a state-of-the-art technical viticulture centre or is working with advanced technologies like drones to monitor and optimize grape quality and the expertise and science to understand and adapt farming to our soils. The resulting wines are truly artisanal in their making, letting nature take its course and giving the wines layers of texture and nuance that provide the most complete expression of the terroir.
In July 2021 we received organic certification for all 1,300 acres of our estate vineyards which means we now have the largest percentage of certified organic vineyards of any wine producing region in the world. This is a game changer for the Okanagan.
What the role will do.
Overview
- Develop and maintain a viticulture program to achieve target yields and quality on a block by block basis. This program will include functions such as pruning, canopy management, shoot and cluster thinning.
- Monitor vineyards for phenology and pest &diseases and provide spray programs to vineyard management towards organic viticulture.
- Monitor soil and vine health to determine fertilizer and compost programs.
- Implement detailed irrigation management programs.
- Establish and maintain working relationship with all company stakeholders to realize the aim of producing world class wine.
- Assess vineyards and provide Viticulture work orders and decisions to Vineyard Operations Team to execute.
- Conduct research on current issues or problems and provide recommendations for their resolution.
- Ensure all work directed to be carried out and all nutrient and spray programs complies with all provincial and federal regulations and should be aimed at continuous improvement in vineyard sustainability programs.
- Supervise the work of temporary vineyard technicians as required.
- Track all viticulture programs on computer databases for analysis and review for continuous improvement and quality.
- Participate in fruit maturity sampling programs and related harvest activities.
- Carry out field trials and cooperate with research organizations on industry research projects.
Development:
- Create and execute a development plan for all company vineyard development – to include:
- Site assessment – soils, aspect, climate
- Grapevine recommendations – variety, clone, rootstock
- Site preparation – site stability, clearing, earthworks, soil preparation and amendment
- Vineyard design – layout, trellis, irrigation – survey quality
- At planting - oversee execution of development plan by Vineyard Operations Team
- Manage delivery and preparation of plants
- Post planting – vine training, irrigation, nutrition, weed control and plant protection (in conjunction with site viticulturist)
What We’re Looking For
- Tertiary degree or Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture or related Agricultural Science from respected and recognized University.
- Minimum of 5 years viticulture experience, preferably in environments managing a minimum of 100 acres over multiple sites.
- Proven experience in vineyard development with a hands-on approach.
- Proven knowledge in vineyard interventions including irrigation, nutrition, pruning, canopy management, and pest and disease management.
- Experience working in partnership with vineyard managers on multiple sites.
- Experience using technology for capture and reporting (e.g., GPS data collection systems).
- Detail Oriented, Organized, Analytical nature.
- Team player with outstanding communication skills.
- High degree of information technology literacy.
- Valid Driver’s license and clean driving record.
How To Apply
Please apply at www.missionhillwinery.com or send your resume directly to
[email protected]