Vineyard Manager (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Abacela Vineyards & Winery

  Roseburg, Oregon

Abacela is a 76 acre Oregon estate winery (www.abacela.com) that pioneered the production of Tempranillo and Albariño as varietal wines in America. Our estate’s Fault Line Vineyards, with its hill and valley topography that produces many mesoclimates and soil types, has been dubbed “The most interesting vineyard property in Oregon” by others. This setting has permitted us to match old world grapes not previously grown in the region to different microclimate-soil sites. These achievements have contributed greatly to Abacela’s leadership in production of alternative varieties that are now grown and produced by others across the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere in the USA.

We specialize in grapes and wine styles indigenous to the Iberian Peninsula. The vines are managed sustainably with limited inputs and are hand harvested. Our vineyard season starts in mid-winter with pruning, followed by bud break in early to mid-April, and the vines are nurtured and managed until harvest in September and October. We currently grow 15 different interesting grape varieties that produce around 200 tons of fruit each year. In addition, we operate a gravity flow winery that produces approximately 12,000 cases (144,000, 750 ml bottles) of high-quality estate wine.

We are searching for someone to join our team in a management role leading all vineyard operations. The successful candidate will work closely with the General Manager and CEO to ensure the vineyard produces high quality fruit capable of making world-class wines. The candidate will not only effectively manage daily operations, but will also contribute to the development of long-term strategies and goals toward continued success, growth, and improved sustainability. This is an incredible opportunity to not only grow professionally by working with numerous varieties in an incredibly diverse and unique vineyard, but also an opportunity to work with talented people and be a valued member of the team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES – Include, but are not limited to:
•  Oversee all aspects of successfully managing vineyard operations of Abacela’s estate vineyards
•  Manage a team of vineyard workers including fulltime, seasonal, and student interns
•  Interview, hire and develop new employees as needed
•  Schedule, manage, and oversee crews of contract labor during certain periods of the season
•  Ensure crew safety and compliance with all federal and state laws
•  Oversee maintenance of all farm equipment including: tractors, mowers, sprayers, implements, hand tools, vehicles, etc.
•  Schedule and supervise all seasonal vineyard operations including: pruning, canopy and floor management, spraying, wire movements, shoot-thinning, leaf removal, etc.
•  Perform general pest, disease, and overall vine health monitoring through daily and weekly scouting
•  Develop and execute annual spray program. Create spray schedule and keep chemical inventory and spray log
•  Manage irrigation system and oversee irrigation efforts throughout the season (pressure bombs, deficit irrigation practices)
•  Lead all harvest operations including: yield estimates, sampling, scheduling picking crews, harvest, and fruit delivery to winery
•  Manage development of young vines, new plantings, and future grafting projects
•  Track and record phenological data by block and variety
•  Track and record weather and soil moisture data from vineyard sensors and maintain equipment
•  Assist with property maintenance and other projects throughout the year
•  Support the Winery team as needed throughout the year
QUALIFICATIONS:
•  Must have a minimum of 2 years vineyard management experience or supervision role in a vineyard
•  Must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in viticulture, horticulture, or similar area of study
•  Must possess strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate others
•  Must have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, effective communication skills, and the ability to work well with others
•  Spanish language skills are a plus
•  Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) with the ability and willingness to learn other vineyard software
•  Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and long hours during harvest season
•  Must have prior experience working with farm equipment, machines, and an average or higher mechanical aptitude
SALARY: DOE
BENEFITS: Medical and dental insurance. Paid Time Off. Wine allocation and support with professional development.