Colterris Winery is seeking a hands-on Winemaker/ Vineyard Manager to manage all aspects of winemaking and estate vineyard operations at a beautiful, family owned multi-use facility on the western slope of Colorado in the premium Palisade, CO AVA. www.colterris.com
Do you have a passion for growing grapes, making world-class wines and being outdoors? Would you like to utilize your management skills to oversee the day-to-day operations of 40-acres of vitis vinifera vineyards while participating in all aspects of winemaking and vineyard operations from the ground up? If so, then you need to apply for this exciting opportunity at Colterris Winery!
You will be in charge of all viticulture operations including grape production, organizing and supervising staff, and assuring compliance with all regulations related to wine production. We’re looking for someone who is ready to jump right in and get to work! If you don’t have vineyard experience, we are willing to hire a recent college graduate with an Enology/Viticulture- related degree, or someone with five plus year’s winemaking experience. We need a self-starter with the ability to perform all aspects of viticulture operations.
The Vineyard Manager will manage literally all aspects of the vineyard operation, from pruning to harvest and everything in between. We are seeking someone who is hard working and capable of multi-tasking and supervising other vineyard workers. We look forward to hearing from qualified candidates!
- Must have strong computer skills and the ability to multi-task
- Willingness to do literally any and all functions required to operate the vineyard
- A strong and proven work ethic
- Understanding of vineyard/farm management practices and procedures
- Demonstrated leadership and decision-making skills
- Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills
Responsible for all aspects of winemaking and managing the vineyard, including but not limited to:
- Vineyard cultivation, pruning and thinning, canopy management, planting and replanting, and harvesting
- Integrated Pest management
- Monitor and implement procedures to maintain and improve vineyards, fruit quality and finished wines
- Irrigation, erosion control, trellis and irrigation installation and maintenance, frost protection
- Recommend needed proper equipment and tools for all jobs; supervise equipment maintenance and make sure that workers properly utilize equipment
- Keep work environment clean and orderly and in compliance with county, state and federal regulations
- Understand and train employees in Company Policy, Procedures and Safety and ensure that every job or task is safe for the employees
- Supervise to make sure all work is carried out correctly; assist and mentor the workers and treat them with respect
- Must be able to reasonably estimate harvests and equipment needs and work within assigned budgets
- Ensure that all necessary equipment is on site and in good operating condition prior to work
- Effectively communicate and work cooperatively with support staff
- Search out and evaluate vineyard problems and make recommendations that provide effective, timely and economic solutions and deliver quality fruit
- Bachelor’s degree in Enology and Viticulture (can be an entry level position with degree) or minimum five years of winemaking and viticulture experience
- Functional Spanish a plus, but not required
Our ideal candidate loves to work outdoors, understands hard work, communicates well, and comes to us with hands-on winemaking and viticulture experience. The ideal person will lead by example and work hard to ensure that all vineyard operations run smoothly and efficiently, understanding the importance of both leadership and team work. This person will be taking on a huge responsibility and will be ready on Day One to manage, learn, and utilize all their resources to get the job done!
