FULL TIME

Wootton Fitzpaine, Bridport, England

VINEYARD ASSISTANT

Louma Vineyard is part of the Louma wellness farm and retreat which sits in a stunning position on the Jurassic coast. The vineyard has truly breath-taking views looking south-south east over the vines to the ocean beyond the nearby village of Wooton Fitzpaine. Its warm coastal position is part of the reason the vineyard has never suffered an air frost, something which many UK vineyards suffer from. The vineyard is in the process of moving from a non organic approach to growing grapes using sustainable regenerative methods of vineyard management. Grape Vibes is looking for a Vineyard Assistant who is interested in being part of a team producing wine to a high standard using sustainable regenerative methods.

Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join an expanding team where you will work closely with the Vineyard Manager to maintain and/or increase the quality and yield of Louma grapes using sustainable regenerative practices and methods. You will be an integral part of the team striving to achieve the Company vision.

The Role

Working with, and directly reporting to the Vineyard Manager, you will be involved in all aspects of the annual viticulture programme. The role can be physically demanding with the majority of the work taking place outdoors and operating equipment in the vineyard. The role will involve working a planned schedule during the growing season and harvest.

Duties will includes:

• All general vineyard operations: pruning, tying, shoot selection, wire lifting, picking, cultivating, thinning, bud rubbing, frost monitoring and prevention, canopy management, replanting and harvesting;

• All vineyard tractor operations: spraying, mowing, leaf trimming/removal, weeding;

• General vineyard site maintenance: involving all aspects of the upkeep of the site;

• Equipment maintenance: maintaining a high level of servicing for all machinery and equipment;

• Assisting with the vineyard stock take;

• Helping to keep abreast of best practice and sustainable regenerative implementation;

• Assist with tours once the retreat is open;

• Generally support the Louma Retreat team as required.

The Person

To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate strong attention to detail, that you can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, motivated, excellent time keeping and ability to create and maintain good working relationships as well as:

• A willingness to perform all functions required to ensure that the vineyard operates effectively;

• A strong and proven work ethic;

• Practical and flexible;

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, whether with the employer, the seasonal workforce or the public;

• Experience of working outdoors in all weather conditions;

• Some previous experience in a vineyard (desirable but not essential);

• PA1, PA2 and PA3 spray certificates (desirable but not essential);

• Tractor driving skills (desirable but not essential);

• Full eligibility to work in the UK;

• A valid UK driving licence;

• Good written and spoken English.

The Team

The employers are a family who are living out a lifelong passion to develop a farm and retreat business with a vineyard within it. There is an expanding team already in place and you will join as part of the founding team. This is an exciting time for the project. We are enthusiastic, hardworking, dynamic, creative and like to do things well and with integrity.

You will join a hardworking and motivated team who are supportive and collaborative, whilst at the same time focused on delivering their individual responsibilities. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills as well as develop existing ones. This is an exciting time to be joining the business as you will have the opportunity to grow with us and have an input on how we operate.

Salary £28,000 per annum

Company Pension Scheme membership

Life Assurance