Vineyard Manager & Winemaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Norfolk,
England
About Cobble Hill Vineyard:
Cobble Hill Vineyard, established in 2016, 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 & Winemaker to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with renowned consultant winemaker, Emma Rice, and the owner to help shape the future of our wine business.
Key Responsibilities:
Vineyard Management:
· Undertake all vineyard operations, including spraying, pruning, canopy management, and harvest.
· Supervise and manage seasonal labour, ensuring tasks are performed efficiently and safely.
· Maintain and repair vineyard trellis, manage vine replacement and plant health.
· Develop and implement vineyard work programs, including frost protection, spray programs, and canopy management.
· Train vineyard staff and ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental compliance.
· Coordinate and oversee ground maintenance, pest control, and other agricultural projects.
Winemaking:
· Manage all aspects of winemaking, from grape processing, press operation, racking, and fermentation to bottling, labelling, and disgorging (for sparkling wine).
· 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.
· Supervise and train seasonal cellar staff, fostering a strong team environment.
Harvest and Seasonal Support:
· Coordinate and oversee the grape harvest, managing logistics and picking crews.
· Work extended hours during harvest (September - November) and bottling periods.
· Lead the winemaking team in all aspects of the harvest and post-harvest processing.
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 with supervisory experience.
· Competent tractor 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.
Location: Cobble Hill Vineyard, near Burnham Market, Norfolk
Employment Type: Full-Time
Working Hours: 8:30am – 4:30pm (Mon-Fri), 40 hours per week (Flexibility required during harvest and bottling)
Salary: £35,000-£45,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications
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 Emma Rice at
[email protected] by 7th March 2025
Cobble Hill Vineyard is committed to promoting diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
