Vineyard Manager

Carter Hospitality Group is seeking a full-time vineyard manager for its Temecula wine properties, including South Coast Winery and Carter Estate Winery. This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for the daily care of the vineyards, the performance and safety of the crew, and the quality of fruit delivered to the winemaking team. The manager connects long-range planning with daily execution and should be equally comfortable reading a vineyard block, coaching a crew, and maintaining accurate operational records. Vineyard leadership • Monitor vine health, soil conditions, irrigation performance, pest pressure, fertility, canopy development, and weed control across assigned blocks • Build and carry out seasonal plans for pruning, thinning, canopy work, crop management, and harvest • Evaluate fruit maturity with the winemaking team and coordinate harvest timing and labor around quality goals • Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and motivate as many as 25 seasonal and year-round employees • Set clear daily expectations for outside labor and verify that work is safe, efficient, and up to standard • Maintain tractors, sprayers, mowers, harvest equipment, and other tools in safe operating condition • Prepare or manage budgets, payroll information, spray documentation, work records, and other production reporting • Follow OSHA rules, pesticide requirements, and applicable federal, state, county, and local regulations • Support California sustainable-farming practices and maintain awareness of industry guidance • Build a respectful, accountable team culture centered on safety, consistent quality, and continuous improvement Qualifications Candidates need a bachelor's degree in viticulture, horticulture, agricultural science, or a related discipline, plus three to five years of vineyard-management or agricultural-leadership experience. Strong working knowledge of irrigation, pest management, grape production, and vineyard equipment is expected. The role requires proven crew leadership, planning and communication skills, dependable follow-through, and a clean, valid driver's license. Bilingual English and Spanish ability is highly preferred. Working conditions and compensation The manager will work outdoors in changing weather and over uneven or steep ground. The job includes active field work and lifting up to 50 pounds, so candidates must be ready to move between office planning, equipment oversight, and vineyard execution as the day demands. The employer publishes an annual salary of $80,000. Its listed benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, parental leave, a 401(k) with matching, wellness support, employee discounts, tuition assistance, and training and development. Apply directly through Carter Hospitality Group's career portal.