Viticulturist (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Duxton Viticulture Pty Ltd

  Buronga, NSW

Company Overview

Duxton Vineyards are a privately owned company, which owns two of the largest vineyards in Australia within its vineyard portfolio. With over 2000 hectares of vines and 24 different grape varieties its vineyards produce 22% of fruit that comes out of the Sunraysia area and over 4% of the national crush annually. Duxton Vineyards supply fruit to most of the large wine companies and it also produces wine to be sold locally and to international markets.

Purpose of the Role

As the Viticulturist of Duxton Vineyards, you will be responsible for conducting a wide range of sampling and testing across all vineyards. You will perform laboratory tests, analyse test data, and carry out a range of technical functions to assist in delivering high quality fruit for our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced agronomic advice and solutions to improve vine and soil health.
• Develop and implement fertilizer and pest management plans and budgets to achieve high quality and yields of healthy crops according to the plan and budget.
• Assess and manage Viticulture (Agrichemicals) P&L and forecasts to meet plan and budget.
• Monitor and record plant health including pest and disease, nutrient imbalance, mechanical, chemical, and environmental damages.
• Offer support in reviewing vineyard development planning and execution to achieve higher yields utilizing the available resources, and/or minimizing the capital expenditure and maximize the return on such investments.
• Manage and maintain up to date and accurate records of chemical use, for internal records and to comply with HACCP requirement.
• Oversee and manage the quality control of external growers’ chemical use and ensure they are in compliance with Duxton Vineyards’ standard and procedures.
• Establish MRL testing regime and review process to ensure the fruit meets the quality of Duxton Vineyards and HACCP.
• Compile and manage data collection, analysis, and reporting of yield data during harvest; and utilize such data to maximize the yields in future seasons.
• Compile and generate monthly reports to cover the operation and vineyard activities.
• Support short and long-term planning and strategy of Duxton Vineyards.
• Oversee quality controls in the vineyards and monitor KPI’s.
• Follow Work Health and Safety procedures and company policies.
• Manage Hazards and Incidents via Skytrust.
• Attend and participate in safety meetings and other meetings as required.

Capability Profile

• Qualification in Agriculture or Viticulture
• A minimum of 5 years experience in a comparable viticultural position
• Experience with Quality Assurance Programs will be considered advantageous
• Ability to communicate/translate scientific terminology and strong report writing skills