Job Description
Job Description:
Works directly with the V.P. Winemaker, Director of Winemaking and Assistant Winemakers in all efforts, conceptual and practical, to make wines that would be recognized as classic and reflect time and place. This role insists on quality in workmanship and in grapes and is responsible in planning, budgeting, coordinating and scheduling the activities of the Vineyard Team. The Vineyard Manager has a deep understanding of the principles of viticulture and a good understanding of winemaking.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES other exempt duties may be assigned:
Vineyard Operations
• Oversee vineyard activities, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvest coordination.
• Authorize invoices other than those for vineyard equipment repairs and needs.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate departmental procedures.
• Works with V.P. Winemaker, Director of Winemaking, Assistant Winemaker / Agroecologist to review vineyard performance and wine quality to determine annual pruning strategies, or other vineyard practices that may affect yield and fruit quality.
• Promotes safety in the vineyard and trains employees for safety programs and all vineyard tasks, including pesticide and herbicide applications.
• Integrate agroecological principles into vineyard practices, including biodiversity enhancement, soil health, and ecosystem restoration
• Participates in safety and quality inspections and audits; serves as a member of the safety committee.
• Schedules and manages the necessary personnel for seasonal vineyard operations.
• Ensures timely planning, initiation, and completion of all viticulture practices.
• Works with the V.P. Winemaker, Director of Winemaking, and Assistant Winemaker / Agroecologist to develop the vineyard operations and capital budgets.
• Works with the V.P. Winemaker, Director of Winemaking, and Assistant Winemaker / Agroecologist to develop the annual, seasonal, weekly and daily farming plans.
• Establishes and maintains open, consistent and timely communication with the winemaking team, especially the Assistant Winemaker, during harvest.
• Assumes responsibility for the accurate and timely submission of employee work time records.
Quality Assurance
• Visits all Opus One vineyard blocks on a regular basis to observe pest pressure, vine condition, and the progress and quality of viticulture practices.
• Provides feedback to the V.P. Winemaker, Director of Winemaking, and Assistant Winemaker / Agroecologist on work and vine quality.
• Stay informed of the latest advancements in viticulture, agroecology, and regenerative farming techniques
• Evaluate and implement innovative practices and technologies that enhance vineyard quality and environmental resilience.
• Assists in harvest decisions.
• Manage and delegate responsibilities within the vineyard team in all day-to-day vineyard operations and ensure quality standards are met.
Planning
• Assists in the preparation of annual viticulture plans, grape inventory, annual vineyard operations and capital budgets.
Viticulture
• Monitor soil health, irrigation systems, and nutrient levels to optimize grape growth and organic farming
• Implement integrated pest management strategies to protect vines
• Ensure vineyard practices align with environmental regulations and agroecology farming practices
Supervision
• Meet with core teams daily and participate in the discussion regarding daily activities, projects, and needed support.
• Writes and delivers the team’s annual performance reviews and provides feedback on growth opportunities.
• Prepare annual viticultural plans, including preventative maintenance, with the V.P. Winemaker, Director of Winemaking, and Assistant Winemaker / Agroecologist.
• Fosters a culture of continual improvement with a focus on our 2030 Vision Pillars: being A Great Place to Work, Globally Responsible, One of the Most Respected Wines in the World, Together We Go Further, and A Daring to Lead Culture.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) in Viticulture/Enology related fields or equivalent
• 5+ years of viticultural experience with 3+ years of supervisory experience, or equivalent.
• Must have a valid Pest Control Advisor’s License.
• Exposure to vineyard management.
• Fluent in Spanish
• Must be able to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Clear communication skills and comfortable working with all levels of the organization, especially the Management and Executive Team.
• Work collaboratively across cross-functional departments/teams.
• Ability to lead teams in an effective and positive manner.
• Ability to work long hours and in various weather conditions.
• Demonstrated history of effective people management, both employees and Farm Labor Contractors (FLCs)
• Must have a valid California Driver’s License
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Physical ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting, lifting, and other activities necessary to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
We invite all interested candidates to apply, even if you are unsure about whether you meet all the listed qualifications. Opus One Winery is looking for motivated, passionate, curious individuals who believe in our Core Values and Mission.
COMPENSATION: Base Compensation Range: $97,000– $132,000 USD annually*
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Please visit our careers page to view the comprehensive job description.
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