Freestone Vineyard Manager

By the mid-1990s the Phelps Family sought out the very best locations to plant Chardonnay. The search brought them to the Sonoma Coast, and they soon found a site perfectly suited to growing both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This led to the founding of Freestone Vineyards.

For the past 50 years, Joseph Phelps Vineyards has prioritized protecting the environment around us through the intentional care of our land. We are setting our sights on the next 50 years with a regenerative outlook that prioritizes the health of our land and vineyards and instills connection into our hospitality program.

By enhancing soil health, promoting biodiversity, and improving overall sustainability through practices like cover cropping, reduced tillage, and fostering microbial and fungal health, we are nurturing a thriving ecosystem. This approach not only supports efficient water management but also contributes to significant carbon sequestration.

Freestone Vineyards is embarking on a journey to confirm its place amongst the most globally recognized and desired wines. We are committed to producing wines of the highest quality, expressing the unique terroir of our vineyards in Sonoma Valley.

Freestone is seeking a dynamic and strategic Vineyard Manager to lead our vineyard operations, drive operational excellence, and implement sustainable farming practices. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of Freestone Vineyards while working closely with our Winemaking team to craft world-class wines. If you are a results-driven vineyard manager with a deep understanding of precision viticulture and a strong commitment to excellence, we invite you to bring your expertise to our team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Vineyard Operations

· Oversee all vineyard activities, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvest coordination.

· Develop and implement annual vineyard management plans focused on optimizing fruit quality for ultra-premium Pinot Noir production.

· Integrate agroecological principles into vineyard practices, including biodiversity enhancement, soil health, and ecosystem restoration.

· Drive regenerative farming initiatives, such as cover cropping, composting, reduced tillage, and carbon sequestration efforts, to promote long-term vineyard vitality.

Budget and Planning

· Develop, manage, and track the annual vineyard budget, ensuring financial goals align with operational and agroecology objectives.

· Plan and allocate resources efficiently to balance cost control with the estate's ultra-premium quality standards.

· Monitor expenditures and provide regular financial reports to estate leadership, identifying opportunities for improved cost management.

· Collaborate with leadership on long-term financial and operational planning, including vineyard development and replanting projects.

Leadership and Team Management

· Manage and mentor a team of vineyard staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, safety, and excellence.

· Coordinate with seasonal labor crews to ensure efficient execution of vineyard tasks during critical periods such as pruning and harvest.

· Collaborate closely with the winemaking team to align vineyard practices with the estate’s stylistic goals and agroecology vision.

Strategic Planning and Innovation

· Stay informed of the latest advancements in viticulture, agroecology, and regenerative farming techniques.

· Evaluate and implement innovative practices and technologies that enhance vineyard quality and environmental resilience.

· Assist in long-term vineyard development, including replanting strategies and the adoption of climate-adaptive farming methods.

Compliance and Reporting

· Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal agricultural regulations.

· Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, including labor, chemical applications, yields, and agroecology metrics.

· Provide regular reports to estate leadership on vineyard performance, regenerative initiatives, and agroecology outcomes.

Viticulture

· Monitor soil health, irrigation systems, and nutrient levels to optimize grape growth and organic farming.

· Implement integrated pest management strategies to protect vines.

· Ensure vineyard practices align with environmental regulations and agroecology farming practices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Supervises vineyard staff, vineyard supervisor, others as required.

Requirements

· Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Viticulture/Enology related fields or equivalent

· 5 years of viticulture experience

· Viticulture knowledge of ultra-premium grape growing practices, such as pest management, canopy management, irrigation practices, frost protection, and equipment use.

· Exposure to vineyard management

· 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

· Ability to manage priorities and workflow.

· Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

· Acute attention to detail.

· Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.

· Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office specifically Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word

· Demonstrated proficiency in supervising and motivating subordinates.

· Basic competence in subordinates’ duties and tasks.

· Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.

· Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.

· Creative, flexible, and innovative team player.

· Passion, enthusiasm, focus, creativity, and a positive outlook.

· Thorough understanding of vineyard management practices and their effect on wine.

· Ability to understand any and all safety requirements and cautions.

· Ability to perform the physical labor necessary

· Spanish language fluency

· Valid California Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

· Walk, kneel, bend and stand.

· Taste and smell.

· Lift up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

· Work is mainly performed in a vineyard. The individual is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles from pesticides and sulfur related to weed spraying and sulfuring.

· Noise levels are usually moderate to loud.

· Hazards: Occasionally works near moving machinery parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and toxic or caustic chemicals.

Salary Range: $115,000 to $120,000