Vineyard Hand

Blackcoat Wines

Role: Permanent Full-time Vineyard Hand

Location: Ellinbank (near Warragul), Gippsland, Victoria

Blackcoat Wines is a small boutique vineyard and winery located in Ellinbank, West Gippsland around one hour from Melbourne. Currently, the vineyard is in its establishment phase with approximately six hectares planted out of a planned eight to ten hectares. The winery’s first vintage was in 2020.

The vineyard is positioned in the elevated (cooler) north facing foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges. Multiple clones of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Riesling have been planted on phylloxera resistant rootstock at a high density of around 7000 vines per hectare.

The property is 20 hectares in size with sheep/cattle grazing in other areas. A winery has been built onsite. A Cellar Door is soon to be built with plans already approved by the local council.

Reporting to the Winemaker/Vineyard Manager, we are looking for a motivated, focussed, and passionate person to join us in producing wines of the highest quality for approximately 2-3 days per week. It is anticipated that as the business grows the role will become full time. This is a great opportunity for a hands-on person to build on their vineyard skills and assist in the winery.

Your key accountabilities:

- Tractor and machinery operations.
- Routine repairs and maintenance.
- Irrigation repairs and maintenance.
- Canopy management including shoot thinning and wire lifting.
- Trellis repairs and maintenance.
- Pest and disease control.
- Harvest operations including tractor driving, forklift operation and quality control.
- Biodiversity expansion and maintenance.
- Winter cane pruning.
- General grounds maintenance including mowing.
- Supervision of contract workers.
- Assistance in the winery and farming operations.

Job Requirements

What you will bring:

- Pragmatism and enthusiasm with strong interpersonal skills.
- Vineyard experience including excellent tractor operation and maintenance skills.
- An ability to undertake physical work in an outdoors environment.
- An interest in organic and biological farming.
- Be able to prioritise and schedule work programs and follow through with attention to detail.
- The ability to work independently or within a small team environment.
- An ability to follow direction.

Job Requirements:

- A current drivers license.
- A forklift license is preferred but not essential.
- Australian citizenship/residency or a valid existing Australian work visa.
- Be fit and healthy and prepared to work in all weather conditions.
- Be flexible and able to work overtime based on seasonal activities.
- Previous experience as a vineyard hand will be highly regarded.

The wage/salary will be based on the successful applicant’s experience and abilities. Flexible working hours can also be negotiated.

Instagram: Blackcoat_Wines

Website: under construction