Career Profile: Vineyard manager

As a viticulture manager, you’ll require experience in the viticulture sector and an awareness of sustainable farming principles. Ideally, a qualification in viticulture, such as a viticulture and oenology degree or viticulture apprenticeship.

You will have excellent communication and planning skills and ideally have some experience of leading or managing others.

Employers may appoint a candidate based on experience alone, however a relevant qualification in viticulture is also beneficial and may increase your options.

The role would suit someone with a keen interest and passion for developing their knowledge of grape/wine production. This would lead them to seek and implement new ideas and innovations to improve the vine growth and the wine making process to improve margins.

As a viticulture manager, you’ll have the following competencies for managing vineyard operations and staff for maximum productivity while supporting the environment.

You will:

• Oversee all vineyard maintenance activities on vines, under vines, and between rows (interrow)
• Increase/improve fruit and therefore subsequent wine quality through observation and viticultural decisions
• Manage the response to the effects of seasonal variation and soil type on growth and maintenance requirements of vines
• Oversee response to diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies that may affect vine growth and respond to them appropriately, possibly with the support of an agronomist
• Ensure all pest and disease control measures are carried out according to relevant legislation and following training
• Manage frost monitoring and protection activities
• Maintain an orderly inventory and maintenance record of all vineyard equipment, machinery, and tools
• Select and supervise the use of appropriate machinery, such as tractors, for a range of cultivations (preparation for crop/plant growth)
• Ensure all activities carried out on site are sustainable, support local biodiversity and are to the benefit of the natural environment
• Oversee accurate record keeping in respect to vineyard activities, vine health, and grape yield
• Manage personnel, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal vineyard staff
• Oversee employee evaluation and development planning
• Maintain a safe working environment for all employees
• Maintain an overview of vineyard operations and monitor budgetary goals
• Manage public engagement and client experience during open vineyard events and as part of a retail sector of the business
• Consult as required with external stakeholder vineyards, helping to maintain strong client relationships