Job Description

Vineyard Manager

South Coast Winery and Carter Estate Winery are seeking an experience Vineyard Manager to oversee the daily operations of our vineyards and help produce exceptional estate-grown wines. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader who is passionate about viticulture, sustainable farming, and developing high-performing teams.

As Vineyard Manager, you will oversee vineyard operations from vine to harvest, ensuring the highest standards of grape quality while maintaining compliance with sustainable farming practices and regulatory requirements.

What You'll Do

• Oversee all daily vineyard operations across South Coast Winery and Carter Estate vineyards.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, irrigation, pest management, fertilization, canopy management, and weed control.
• Plan and coordinate seasonal vineyard activities including pruning, thinning, canopy management, and harvest.
• Assess grape maturity and work closely with the Winemaker to determine optimal harvest timing.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and motivate seasonal and full-time vineyard crews of up to 25 employees.
• Ensure tractors, sprayers, harvest equipment, mowers, and other machinery are maintained and operating safely.
• Develop and manage vineyard operating budgets and maintain accurate payroll and operational records.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, pesticide regulations, and all federal, state, county, and local agricultural requirements.
• Support and maintain California sustainable farming standards and Wine Institute/CAWG sustainability programs.
• Foster a positive team culture by coaching employees, recognizing achievements, and addressing performance concerns professionally.
• Promote workplace safety and continuous improvement throughout vineyard operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field required.
• 3–5 years of vineyard management or related agricultural leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of viticulture practices, vineyard equipment, irrigation systems, pest management, and grape production.
• Experience supervising and developing vineyard crews.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly preferred.
• Valid driver's license with a clean DMV record.

What We're Looking For

• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Safety-focused and committed to quality
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Reliable, trustworthy, and collaborative
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Able to walk steep vineyard terrain and lift up to 50 pounds

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