Vineyard Assistant
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Contract
Devon,
England
About us
Swanaford Estate Wine is a family run vineyard making award-winning sparkling and still wines in the Teign Valley, six miles from Exeter and just inside the Dartmoor National Park. We are now looking for a confident, enthusiastic person to join our small team for the spring/summer, on a 6 month contract. The successful candidate will gain lots of hands-on experience in every aspect of English grape growing and winemaking as well as helping us to build the Swanaford brand through customer-facing tours and events.
About The Job
The Vineyard Assistant will work closely with the vineyard owners on all aspects of vineyard management, winemaking and sales. This is a multi-faceted role which may well involve long hours working in the vineyard, or leading tours and tastings with members of the public or assisting in wine-making tasks and help with sales. Working hours will be set at 40 per week, and will include weekend work and the occasional evening.
Tasks will include (but may not be limited to):
· Assisting the vineyard manager with canopy management, bud rubbing, summer pruning, under vine weed management, picking etc.
· Leading pre-booked tours and tastings for individuals and groups.
· Working behind the bar at events held in the evenings at the vineyard.
· Promotion and sales of our wines, acting as an ambassador for Swanaford.
· Labelling, packaging and delivering wine.
· Helping in the winery which could include disgorging, bottling or general cleaning.
· Helping to maintain the public spaces and wider estate.
About You
You will be passionate about working outside and enthusiastic about learning how to manage a vineyard and have some knowledge of wine and English wine. You may have some knowledge of vineyard work, however this can be a learning role so hands-on experience is not essential as training will be given. A friendly and approachable person, you will feel happy working with others or independently.
You will feel comfortable and confident in leading a tour group, which will include talking knowledgably about growing grapes as well as the winemaking process and our wines. Training on the content will be provided. The ability to deliver an excellent customer experience in this area is essential.
You will be a strong self-motivator with the drive to work hard. Vineyard work requires endurance and a certain level of fitness as each job can take weeks and needs to completed regardless of the weather.
We offer a competitive salary, with 14 days holiday over the 6 month contract, pension contribution and discounts on our wine.
To apply, please send a CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience to [email protected]. Whilst we are very grateful for all applications, the volumes of applicants sometimes make it difficult to respond individually therefore if you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, it is likely that you have not been short listed.
