Vineyard Manager
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
St. Thomas,
Ontario
VINEYARD MANAGER
Full-Time Position
Quai Du Vin Estate Winery (Future home of SKYE CHASE ESTATE WINERY) is a boutique winery, located in Sparta, Ontario.
We are looking to hire full-time Vineyard Manager. The Vineyard Manager at Quai Du Vin Estate Winery is accountable for all aspects of running the vineyard by ensuring that fruit is produced to specification in collaboration with the Head Winemaker and that key business objectives are achieved through the application of best practice in the areas of viticulture, budgeting, continuous improvement and Health & Safety management.
It is the careful attention to detail from vine to glass that is paramount to optimizing wine quality and giving the wines their point of difference. Specifically, as the Vineyard Manager at Quai Du Vin, you’ll:
Be accountable for the safe day-to-day operations of the vineyard and ensuring that fruit is produced through the application of best practices:
Be responsible for Vineyard maintenance, Canopy management, Pruning, shoot removal, Irrigation (if ever implemented), shoot thinning, cluster thinning, fruit exposure, planting (e.g. setting up new vineyard areas), and will implement and execute an effective under vine weed management program
Upon approval, lead and assists with preparing and deploying vineyard development and replanting projects.
Monitor growth of vines, vine water needs, frost protection and pest and disease pressure and perform crop quality evaluations & yield estimates
Manage the spray program including writing work orders, ensure adherence to spray intervals, scheduling equipment, purchasing materials, communicating with internal stakeholders regarding re-entry intervals & keeping spray records
Follow nutrition and fertilization needs of vines
Management the day-to-day vineyard activities throughout all growth stages to ensure objectives are met.
Review and enhance viticulture techniques and farming practices with a focus on continual improvement to maximize on-farm productivity
Ensure fruit produced meets specification as per industry standards
Work with the Head Winemaker & supply chain stakeholders to support grape supply plan
In collaboration with the Head Winemaker, plans, coordinate and execute on harvesting activities including following harvest calendar based on targeted Varietal goals
Conduct field grading of grapes in conjunction with winemakers at harvest to come to pick decisions
Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in viticulture, horticulture, or related field
· 3+ years' experience in vineyard operations
· Expert knowledge of viticulture practices and grape growing
· Leadership, personnel management, and budgeting skills
· Strong problem solving, organization, and communication
abilities
· Adaptability to work in outdoor environment in all weather
· Valid driver's license and ability to operate farm vehicle
