Vineyard Manager & Winery Assistant (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Cobble Hill Vineyard & Winery Norfolk

  Norfolk, England

Vineyard Manager & Winery Assistant

 

Location: Cobble Hill Vineyard, near Burnham Market, Norfolk
Employment Type: Full-Time & Permanent
Working Hours: 7.30am – 4:30pm (Mon-Fri), 40 hours per week plus overtime (Flexibility required during harvest and bottling)
Salary: £30,000 plus overtime. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Farm Cottage included in package. 

Please note this is full-time, not a seasonal job, and applicants must have an existing right to work in the UK – we are unable to sponsor visas of any kind.

About Cobble Hill Vineyard:
Cobble Hill Vineyard, set within a wider farm operation, was established in 2016. It is a small yet thriving vineyard in Norfolk producing a variety of wine styles since its first harvest in 2019. With a fully functional winery on-site, we are now seeking a talented and passionate Vineyard Manager & Winery Assistant to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to work with renowned consultant winemaker, Emma Rice, and the owner to help shape the future of our wine business. This role offers the chance to gain experience in all aspects of running an estate vineyard and winery with all that that entails, from the grape to the glass.

Key Responsibilities:
Vineyard Management:

·       Undertake all vineyard operations, including spraying, pruning, canopy management, and harvest. 

·       Anticipate additional labour needs through the season and co-ordinate with the wider farm team

·       Maintain and repair vineyard trellis, manage vine replacement and plant health.

·       Develop and implement vineyard work programs, including potential cover crops, frost protection, spray programs, and canopy management.

·       Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental compliance.

·       Coordinate and oversee ground maintenance, pest control, and other agricultural projects with the wider farm team

Winemaking:

·       Alongside the Winemaking Consultant, manage all aspects of winemaking, from grape processing, press operation, racking, and fermentation to bottling, labelling, and disgorging (for sparkling wine) – coordinating with wider farm team for labour needs.

·       Perform routine wine analysis, maintain cellar equipment, and manage barrel work and maintenance.

·       Ensure safe and efficient operation of winery equipment, including forklifts and presses.

·       Maintain accurate records for all winery activities, ensuring compliance with legal and best practice standards.

·       Collaborate with the winemaking consultant to implement technical experiments to improve wine quality.

·       Ensure proper sanitation and maintenance of equipment and winery facilities

Harvest and Seasonal Support:

·       Coordinate and oversee the grape harvest, managing logistics and picking crews/machines.

·       Work extended hours during harvest (September - November) and bottling periods.

·       Lead the winemaking in all aspects of the harvest and post-harvest processing.

Sales, Events and Promotions:

·       Help organise and host the monthly Vineyard Supper Club events.  

·       Host tours and tastings in the vineyard and winery.

·       Attend local markets to sell wine.

Qualifications & Skills:

Essential:

·       You must have an existing right to work in the UK – visa sponsorship is not an option.

·       Experience as an Assistant Winemaker or Vineyard Manager.

·       Competent tractor and forklift driver.

·       A BSc in Viticulture & Oenology (or equivalent qualification), or significant hands-on experience in cool climate vineyard management.

·       PA1 and PA3 & 6 spray certifications. 

·       Proven passion for viticulture and winemaking.

·       Strong practical skills and proactive problem-solving approach.

·       Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting up to 25kgs and working at height and in confined spaces.

·       Comfortable working in various weather conditions, both indoors and outdoors.

·       Excellent communication, organizational, and multitasking skills.

·       Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

·       Forklift experience and valid license.

·       Full, clean UK Driver’s Licence with trailer licence

·       A flexible, can-do attitude, especially during peak periods like harvest and bottling.

Desirable:

·       Experience with both still and sparkling wine production.

·       Additional qualifications such as lab experience, WSET, etc.

·       Strong knowledge of sustainable and conventional viticulture practices in England.

Salary: £30,000 plus overtime. Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Farm Cottage included in package.

Benefits:
• Competitive salary and potential for growth within the business.
• Access to farm vehicles for necessary work travel
• Accommodation on-site
• Engagement with the wine industry and opportunities to expand your wine knowledge.
• A unique opportunity to help build and shape a growing wine business.
• Opportunity to represent Cobble Hill Vineyard at industry and consumer events.

How To Apply

How to Apply:
If you are passionate about viticulture, winemaking, and making a mark in the growing Norfolk wine industry, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and qualifications to Katharine Watkinson [email protected] by 30th September 2026
Cobble Hill Vineyard is committed to promoting diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all backgrounds.

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