Vineyard & Production Manager
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Carvers Hill Estate
Shalbourne, Wiltshire,
England
A multi-faceted and exciting new wine business near Marlborough in Wiltshire. Carvers Hill Estate planted 6 hectares of classic variety grapevines in 2021, situated in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) within the North Wessex Downs. The building of a winery, fine wine warehouse and events venue is nearing completion, and the owners are looking to expand the team for the 2024 growing season.
The successful candidate would benefit from guidance of highly respected winemaker Emma Rice, who made the first small vintage of our wine in 2023. She has worked closely with the team to design a state-of-the-art winery on-site and would continue to mentor the direction of future vintages.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate or someone with a few years’ vineyard work experience who is keen to take on vineyard management plus move into the winery as the project grows. With support from the Farm and Estate Managers, you would be managing the vineyard planted to 21,500 vines of Pinot Noir Précoce, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.
As a small business in the early stages this role will require flexibility and whilst managing the vineyard you will also be required to do some of the tractor work and hands-on vine management alongside contract labour teams. As the grapes move into the winery you will become more involved in the winemaking and winery operations, growing with the business to build the team going forward.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Working on all aspects of the vineyard and winery management
- Management of the annual cycle of pruning, canopy management, trellis installation and maintenance of the vineyard and equipment as well as harvesting of the grapes
- Leading and implementing actions in the vineyard aligned with our sustainability projects
- Supervision of full-time staff and contract labour teams in the vineyard
- Lead on all winery operations including fruit receival/processing, ferments, lab analysis, barrel work, blending, stabilisation and filtration
- Maintaining high levels of cleanliness and sanitation as well as health and safety standards at all times
ABOUT YOU
- Passionate, creative, open-minded, organised, and a good sense of humour
- Winemaking and agricultural experience (2-3 harvests) preferred
- Strong ability to define and execute vineyard management plans including soil and pest management
- Competent tractor and machinery operator, with forklift & spraying certification preferred; or willingness to train
- Physically fit; lift 25kg, climb ladders, work outside in all temperatures, and be on your feet all day
Salary negotiable depending on experience, with the possibility of accommodation locally.
You must have an established right to work in the United Kingdom (we cannot sponsor any Visa)