Vineyard Manager (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Dillions Vineyard (http://www.dillionsvineyard.co.uk)

  Staplefield, West Sussex, England

 

Dillions Vineyard is a small, family-owned vineyard in Staplefield, West Sussex. Dillions is set within 25 acres in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, bordering the beautiful Nymans Woods and Gardens. We sell small batches of quality, award-winning English wines both still and sparkling.

We are looking for a permanent, full time vineyard manager to manage our vineyard with a start date expected to be around March 2023. We are offering a competitive salary commensurate with the candidate’s experience.

Role and responsibilities:

·       Day to day management of the 3.6 ha vineyard where we have planted the three traditional sparkling varieties plus our  award winning Bacchus.

·       Carry out all year-round vineyard activities including pruning, canopy management, mowing, cover crop and soil cultivation and regeneration, frost protection, weed control, spraying, crop monitoring, harvesting and liaising with our viticulturist consultants and general estate management activities

·       Management of other team members especially around busy periods such as Harvest. Possible management of an apprentice

·       Management of the harvest process including liaison with our winery in Kent and delivery of the grapes

·       Running Harvest volunteer days, e.g. giving safety briefings, ensuring volunteers have adequate training

·       Ensuring that Dillions continues to meet its sustainability objectives and remains a member of the SWGB

Skills required

·       Experience in another vineyard of similar size and, preferably, a qualification in viticulture (though not essential)

·       Have good tractor operator experience and spraying qualifications (PA1 and PA3, as a minimum).  Ideally, also familiarity with use of a forklift as well (training courses can be provided)

·       Familiarity with use of Vidacycle and Sectormentor apps and data monitoring and ability to manage spread sheets and keep vineyard records

·       Must be an excellent team player with an ability to manage and motivate

·       Flexible with working hours particularly during busy periods such as Harvest

·       Ability occasionally to lead tours to guests would be an advantage

·       Right to work in the UK

 

Please note Dillions is set in rural location so ability to drive and your own car is essential.

 

How To Apply

To apply, please send a CV and a covering letter to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Application deadline is Friday 27th January 2023.

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