WANTED: Fulltime Vineyard Manager at Catoctin Breeze Vineyard

Catoctin Breeze Vineyard (CBV) boutique producer of high quality wines, with an emphasis on being low intervention and terroir driven. CBV grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Albarino (7 acres total), and planting Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petit Manseng, and Vidal Blanc in April 2023 (4 more total acres). Our reds are all planted on a very rocky hillside on soils with excellent drainage. CBV produces ~2,500 cases per year, with about half of the fruit being sourced from local vineyards in Maryland. A new production 6000 square foot production facility will begin construction within the next 2 years. Our entire production crew will be a total of 4 people, who all have in a hand in winegrowing and winemaking – with the Vineyard Manager being responsible for the winegrowing.

CBV has a reputation as a high quality producer and is seeking a vineyard manager who can even further elevate the wines. The ideal candidate has at least 2-3 years of growing experience. CBV is looking for a vineyard manager who takes pride in their daily work, is self motivated, and leads by example. CBV is located just 20 minutes north of Frederick, MD, which has an eclectic downtown full of restaurants, breweries, fine dining, and access to various outdoor activities.

The Vineyard Manager’s duties:

Oversee and participate in all aspects directly related to winegrowing:
o Conduct all stages of wine growing
o Working hands-on in the vineyard from pruning to harvest.
o Plan vineyard workload with ownership (timing of pruning, shoot selection, leaf pulling, etc)
o Implement an execute a spray program
o Delegate specific vineyard tasks to vineyard hands
o Operates tractor, sprayer, mechanical hedger and underviner
o Manages vineyard, cropload, and other specific tasks with the goal of producing the highest quality fruit possible.

Oversee and participate in all aspects generally related to winegrowing:
o Keep state and federal records, as well as required in-house records. Remain up-to-date on all compliance issues related to spraying, winegrowing, etc..
o Coordinate ordering and maintaining inventory of all supplies related to winegrowing.
o Maintain all vineyard equipment and systems. Work to become on-site specialist for these systems.
o Keep a safe, clean, and organized work area.
o Ability to lift 50 pounds and work outdoors year round.

Other duties include, but are not limited to:
o Maintain an already strong relationship with University of Maryland Extension, MGGA, and our other industry partners.
o Provide expertise on: Improving winegrowing techniques. Purchasing new equipment when needed.
o Act as brand representative.
o Treat all co-workers and visitors with respect.
o Occasionally conduct tastings with wine club members for special events

Benefits:
o Health Insurance
o With each paycheck you will accrue 1.5 sick hours, up to 40hrs per year
o 40 hours of vacation offered after first year of employment

Compensation:
o Based on experience; to be negotiated

Thank you for your interest in joining the Catoctin Breeze family!