Description:
Published 28 March 2025 Location 92 Mappinga Rd, Oakbank, Australia Category Viticulture Job Type Full-time Closing Date 30 April 2025 Annual Salary Package based on Experince - Salary, Wine allowence, Car Description About Sidewood Estate:
Nestled in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, Sidewood Estate is renowned for crafting beautiful, balanced, and elegant wines that reflect the region’s distinct terroir. With a legacy adorned with over 60 prestigious trophies and 500 gold medals, we are dedicated to excellence in every bottle. As we transition our viticulture management in-house, we seek an experienced Viticulture Manager to lead and oversee our four premium vineyards, spanning 110 hectares of planted vines.
Position: Viticulture & Vineyard Manager
Location: Sidewood Estate, Adelaide Hills
Reports To: General Manager
Employment Type: Full-time
The Role: This is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing all viticultural operations. The successful candidate will implement sustainable practices, enhance vineyard performance, and work closely with our winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets our premium standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Vineyard Operations: Oversee daily vineyard management, including pruning, canopy management, pest control, and harvest coordination.
- Sustainability & Innovation: Develop and implement sustainable viticulture practices to enhance biodiversity and soil health while maintaining certification standards.
- Strategic Planning: Develop and execute viticultural programs, including irrigation strategies, frost mitigation, and fertilization plans.
- Team Leadership: Build and lead an in-house viticulture team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
- Research & Technology: Stay abreast of the latest viticultural advancements and integrate innovative technologies into vineyard operations.
- Budget & Resource Management: Develop and manage budgets, optimizing costs without compromising quality.
- Quality Control: Ensure grape production aligns with Sidewood’s premium winemaking goals.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the Senior Winemaker and estate stakeholders to align viticultural practices with winemaking objectives.
What We’re Looking For:
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.
- Experience: Minimum 10 years in indutsry with 5 years in viticultural/vineyard management, preferably in cool climate regions.
- Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of sustainable viticulture practices, irrigation, disease management, and competency using viticultural machinery.
- Leadership & Communication: Proven ability to build and manage a team, with strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Technology & Systems: Experience with viticultural software and data management tools.
- Desirable: Demonstrated experience in vineyard development, and sustainability certifications.
Why Join Sidewood Estate?
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of our vineyards as we bring viticulture management in-house. We offer a dynamic work environment, a passionate team, and the chance to contribute to our award-winning legacy. Remuneration will be reflective of the candidate’s skills and experience. We are open to interstate candidates and are excited to see what viticulture superstars are looking at the Adelaide Hills for their next home. If you are a driven viticulture professional looking for a leadership role in a premium winery, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and vision for vineyard management at Sidewood. Applications close 30 April 2025.
Join us in crafting the future of Sidewood’s renowned wines, one vine at a time.