Vineyard Manager (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Abingworth Vineyard

  Thakeham, West Sussex, England

Role:                           Vineyard Manager

 Location:                     Thakeham, West Sussex

Salary:                         Negotiable depending on experience

Abingworth Vineyard is a wine producer nestled at the foot of the South Downs in the historic village of Thakeham, West Sussex. This family-run vineyard aspires to create award-winning English wines. A sense of fun, quality visitor experience and bringing value to the local community are core to the business.

The vineyard was planted in May 2022 and is just over 9 hectares. With an aim to produce still and sparkling wine, the planted vines include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Cabaret Noir and Chardonnay.

Abingworth Vineyard is a young venture currently focused on establishing the vines and planning for the first vintage in 2024. Additional plans also include a purpose-built modern winery that will be built on site. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an expanding English vineyard in an exciting and growing sector.

 

Responsibilities

·       Leading on all aspects of the vineyard and grounds management

·       Seasonable maintenance of the vineyards to produce a sustainable quality crop of wine grapes.

·       Management of the annual cycle of pruning, canopy management, trellis installation and maintenance of the vineyard and equipment.

·       Spraying, mowing, flailing and use of tractors and other agricultural equipment

·       Harvesting of crop, liaising with contractors and suppliers

·       Record keeping of spraying activities and other production duties

·       Leading and implementing actions in the vineyard aligned with our sustainability projects

·       Management of the vineyard team

·       Liaising and collaborating with the winemaker

 

About You

·       Passionate and detail orientated individual who is keen to join a small growing team

·       Ability to define, lead and manage a small team vineyard and harvest team

·       Cross functional skills with emphasis on machinery and grounds equipment

·       Previous agricultural experience related to producing and harvesting seasonal crop  

·       Creative, open-minded, organised, and strong communicator

·       Confident engaging with customers as and when required to showcase the vineyard

·       Strong project and time management skills

·       Competent tractor and machinery operator

·       Ability to define and manage vineyard management plans including soil and pest management

·       Spraying certifications

·       Winemaking experience advantageous but not essential

·       Willingness to undertake other relevant tasks to support the business as required

 

Benefits 

Whilst we are still growing as a business and defining several of our employee benefits, we currently offer the following:

·       30 days annual leave (+ bank holidays) scheduled around the growing season

·       Pension scheme: 5% employer 5% employee

·       Enhanced parental leave

·       Learning and development opportunities

 

Next Steps

Excited at the opportunity to join a growing English vineyard? If you would like to join our growing team, then please send a copy of your CV and a Cover Letter to [email protected]

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. Salary information for the role will be shared prior to any interviews.

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