Job Description

Penns Woods Winery is seeking an experienced and dedicated Vineyard Manager to oversee all vineyard operations across our 40 acres at four estate vineyard sites. This role is essential to our mission of producing exceptional, locally grown Pennsylvania wines. The ideal candidate is hands-on, highly organized, a strong communicator, and passionate about premium viticulture.

Key Responsibilities:

Vineyard Operations

• Collaborate with the Winemaker and Owner on annual farm planning.
• Oversee all vineyard tasks including pruning, tying, shoot thinning, shoot positioning, canopy management, suckering, crop estimation, crop thinning, vine nutrition, pest and disease management, and harvest coordination.
• Act as the primary liaison to contract vineyard management teams, ensuring strong communication, operational coordination, and positive long-term relationships.
• Develop and manage seasonal spray programs, including material purchasing, spray interval planning, and sprayer maintenance.
• Visit all vineyard blocks regularly to assess vine health, pest pressure, and vineyard work quality; provide timely updates to Winemaker and Owner.
• Coordinate vineyard operations including equipment use, tractor work, crew supervision, and on-site safety.
• Follow all best practices in equipment handling, safety, and maintenance.
• Create and manage schedules to monitor block performance, identifying issues such as pests, disease, virus, vigor, frost, hail, or other pressure points.
• Integrate agro-ecological principles into vineyard practices including soil health, biodiversity enhancement, and ecosystem restoration.

Record Keeping & Compliance

• Maintain detailed viticulture records including phenology, disease/virus tracking, crop estimates, and harvest weights.
• Maintain regulatory documentation including spray records, MSDS logs, and safety compliance documentation.

Non-Vineyard & Property Support

• Collaborate on estate landscaping, road upkeep, and facility maintenance.
• Develop budgets, schedules, and timelines for property projects, including invasive species removal, tree management, and woodland restoration.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage Penns Woods Winery’s vineyard crew.
• Schedule and oversee labor for all vineyard operations while meeting labor budget targets.
• Ensure timely planning and execution of viticultural tasks.
• Train staff in safety procedures, pesticide/herbicide applications, and vineyard skills.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and growth-focused work environment.
• Promote high standards of work quality and technical proficiency.
• Review and submit accurate employee time records.
• Lead hiring for vineyard crew roles.

Additional Duties

• Provide occasional support in the winery during peak periods.
• Lead vineyard tours or educational workshops as needed.

Requirements

• 5+ years of viticulture experience, with 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role (or strong equivalent experience).
• Strong Spanish language skills are desirable.
• Ability to problem-solve in environments with limited standardization.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work long hours in variable weather conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to tow under PA “Farm” Department of Transportation regulations.
• Ability to walk, kneel, bend, and lift up to 60 lbs.

Pay commensurate with experience. Benefits package available!

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