Winemaker & Vineyard Manager (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Elder Farm

  Norfolk, England

Elder Farm is an ambitious premium English vineyard and wine producer in Norfolk, seeking a talented and driven Winemaker & Vineyard Manager to help shape the future of the business and establish a distinctive reputation for exceptional English wines.

Founded in 2024, Elder Farm has a 7-hectare vineyard producing high-quality grapes, primarily for still wines. This is an opportunity to take ownership of the entire production process, from vine to bottle, developing a distinctive house style that reflects the character of the site and the potential of English cool-climate viticulture.

Working closely with the owner and an experienced, professional and supportive team, you will have the freedom to bring your expertise, ideas and ambition to the role. You will also benefit from the technical support of Vinescapes, the UK's leading viticulture specialists.

For the right candidate, this is a rare opportunity to combine vineyard management, creative winemaking and commercial involvement, making a tangible contribution to the development of a premium wine brand from an early stage.

The role

As Winemaker & Vineyard Manager, you will lead the day-to-day management of the vineyard and winery, taking responsibility for production planning, operational delivery, wine quality and continuous improvement, reporting to the vineyard owner.

This is a varied, practical and rewarding role for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with commercial awareness, sound judgement and a genuine passion for producing outstanding wines. You will be equally comfortable working in the vineyard, managing fermentation and maturation in the winery, coordinating seasonal teams, and engaging with customers and the wider wine trade.

You will work closely with the owner to establish production priorities, manage resources and budgets, and ensure that every aspect of vineyard and winery operations supports Elder Farm's ambitions for quality, sustainability and long-term success.

Key responsibilities

Vineyard management

• Manage vineyard operations, including canopy management, crop management, pest and disease monitoring, spraying, soil management and harvest preparation.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans that optimise grape quality, vine health, sustainability and long-term site performance.
• Integrate vineyard decisions with winemaking objectives to deliver fruit quality and consistency appropriate to Elder Farm's intended wine styles.
• Promote environmentally responsible and regenerative viticultural practices, improving vineyard resilience and operational efficiency.

Winemaking and production

• Manage the complete winemaking process, from grape intake and fermentation through maturation, blending, bottling and finished wine storage.
• Develop and refine Elder Farm's house style, applying technical expertise and sound winemaking judgement to produce distinctive, premium-quality wines.
• Implement robust quality assurance, traceability, record-keeping and production control procedures.
• Manage winery operations, equipment, stock and consumables, ensuring high standards of cleanliness, organisation and efficiency.

People, planning and operations

• Plan and coordinate seasonal vineyard labour, harvest teams, contractors and other staff.
• Develop and manage vineyard and winery budgets, monitor expenditure and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and value.
• Maintain accurate production records and provide clear, timely reports on activities, priorities, costs and operational requirements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety requirements, food safety standards, environmental obligations and applicable wine production regulations.

Commercial engagement and business development

• Support wine sales and market development through cellar door experience, customer engagement, trade presentations and other promotional activities.
• Help build Elder Farm's reputation through wine quality, relevant awards, industry recognition and appropriate accreditations.
• Work collaboratively with the owner, consultants and wider team to identify opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement and sustainable business growth.
• Contribute to other business activities as required, adopting a flexible, proactive and commercially minded approach.

We are looking for an energetic, capable and ambitious viticulturist and winemaker who combines practical experience with a commitment to quality and a desire to develop their craft.

You will have a strong understanding of cool-climate viticulture and winemaking, excellent organisational skills and the confidence to take responsibility for both strategic decisions and the practical delivery of vineyard and winery operations.

You will be self-motivated, adaptable and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team, where initiative, reliability and attention to detail are essential. Just as importantly, you will understand that producing premium wines requires a balance of technical excellence, commercial awareness, environmental responsibility and consistently high standards.

This role will suit someone who wants to make a meaningful contribution, influence the direction of a growing wine business and build a reputation through the wines they produce.

Essential skills and qualifications

• Relevant qualifications in viticulture, oenology, winemaking or a related discipline.
• Practical experience in vineyard management and winemaking, ideally within a cool-climate wine-producing region.
• A sound understanding of vineyard operations, grape quality, winemaking processes and production planning.
• Strong planning, organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• A high level of attention to detail, with good record-keeping and reporting capabilities.
• Competence in tractor operation and general vineyard machinery.
• Good IT skills and confidence using digital tools and mobile applications.
• A full, valid driving licence and access to suitable transport.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Desirable experience and qualifications

• Experience producing premium still wines in a cool-climate environment.
• Experience managing seasonal labour, contractors and harvest teams.
• Experience with production budgeting, stock control, bottling operations and wine quality assurance.
• An interest in regenerative viticulture, vineyard sustainability and innovative production techniques.
• Experience engaging with customers, wine merchants, the hospitality sector or the wider wine trade.

Salary and benefits

An attractive salary and benefits package will be offered, commensurate with experience and the successful candidate's suitability for the role.

 

How To Apply

If you are passionate about cool-climate viticulture, ambitious winemaking and the opportunity to help shape a distinctive English wine brand, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a covering letter to our consultants at Vinescapes: [email protected], outlining your relevant experience, your approach to producing premium wines and what you would bring to Elder Farm.

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