Vineyard Operations and Viticulture Director

Salary Range: $140,000 - $150,000

Descretionary Bonus: 15%

SUMMARY:  Working under the direction of the Joseph Phelps Winemaking team, the Vineyard Operations and Viticulture Director will implement and oversee all daily vineyard operations in our Joseph Phelps Napa Valley and Freestone Sonoma vineyards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not limit additional tasks that may be assigned. 

STRATEGIC PLANNING:

• Under the leadership of the winemaking team, create, manage and implement long-term strategic planning for the vineyard department, including vineyard redevelopment, environmental sustainability initiatives, labor strategy, and fruit sourcing.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaking team and leverage their guidance and leadership to identify opportunities for enhancing wine quality.  
• Implement agroecology-based vineyard management strategies, integrating biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable farming techniques with recommendations from the winemaking team.

VINEYARD OPERATIONS:

• With direction from the winemaking team, utilize regenerative farming methods to enhance soil fertility, conserve water, and promote vineyard biodiversity.
• Manage and oversee all vineyard activities to ensure the following operations are carried out efficiently and in a timely manner including proper pruning, suckering, tying, frost protection, irrigation, hand vine care, harvest, and other viticultural practices.
• Oversee the harvesting and delivery of all estate grown and contracted fruit.

LEADERSHIP AND TEAM MANAGEMENT:

• Lead, train, andmanage the vineyard staff ensuring efficient operations and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Establish and lead a culture of health and safety across the vineyard department which goes beyond compliance and is proactive and embedded.
• Manage and oversee all third-party farming companies to ensure they meet Joseph Phelps’ quality standards.
• Drive leadership and people development across the department through performance and talent management.
• Foster relationships with industry organizations such as the Farm Bureau, Napa Valley Grapegrowers, and cultivate partnerships with universities.

BUDGET MANAGEMENT:

• Lead the vineyard budgeting process for all vineyards, including all labor activity planning as well as identifying all capital investment needs for the vineyard department.

MONITORING AND REPORTING:

• Monitor and recommend improvements in areas including but not limited to quality, efficiency, canopy management, crop management and protection, pest management, plant health and fertility, irrigation management, and equipment operations.
• Analyze soil, plant, and climate data to make informed decisions, and regularly report on vineyard performance to senior leadership.
• Implement best practices with the integration of new technology to improve farming operations.

COMPLIANCE:

• Responsible for compliance with local, regional, state, and federal regulations relevant to vineyard operations.
• Ensure adherence to local agricultural regulations, health and safety standards, and certifications related to organic and sustainable practices.

VITICULTURE:

• In alignment with winemaking, develop annual viticulture plans for all estate and contractor grower vineyards that are consistent with quality needed for premium quality wine production. 
• Direct vineyard monitoring for the purpose of assessing vine/crop development, irrigation management, nutrient balance, pest pressure, and crop estimating.
• Oversee the collection of all viticulture data, including but not limited to data relating to quality control metrics, plant health, vine growth, seasonal phenology, crop estimating, irrigation, weather, and grape maturity.
• Oversee sustainability, conservation, and habitat restorations programs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly supervise Vineyard Managers, Viticulturist, and Vineyards Safety Administrator

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Viticulture/Enology related fields or equivalent experience.
• 5 – 7 years of management and viticulture experience.
• Thorough understanding of vineyard management practices and their effect on wine quality.
• Bilingual skills in Spanish highly desirable.
• Proven leadership skills and business acumen.
• Demonstrated history of effective people management, both employees and Farm Labor Contractors (FLCs).
• Exposure to effectively organizing and allocating staff resources.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Acute attention to detail., ability to manage priorities and workflow.
• Versatility, flexibility and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.
• Proficient on Microsoft Office software, knowledge of AgCode a plus.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Passion, enthusiasm, focus, creativity, and a positive outlook.
• Knowledge and practical application of health and safety requirements and programs.
• Valid California Driver’s License with clean DMV record.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:
• Lift up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Able to sit and operate a computer for consecutive hours daily.
• Able to stand and sit for prolonged periods.
• Ability to walk 2-3 miles per day over uneven terrain.
• Ability to withstand extreme variations in outside weather conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• A percentage of work time may be spent in an outdoor vineyard setting where temperatures vary and noise levels can be moderate.
• Work will also be conducted in an office environment.

Benefits

-13 Paid Holidays

-3 Weeks Vacation, Wellness day, & Personal Day

-Wellness Reimbursement

-Employee Wine Program

-401k match and Profit sharing

-Medical, dental, vision

& much more!