Head of Viticulture and Grape Supply
Deadline for applications: Sunday, 6th July 2025
Giant Steps’ laser-like focus on quality and site expression has established an international reputation as exceptional producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with some of the best cool climate vineyards in Australia. Their iconic single vineyard range captures the uniqueness of each of their sites across the Yarra Valley and Tasmania, including Bastard Hill, Applejack, Tarraford and Sexton vineyards. Purchasing the highly awarded business in 2020, Jackson Family Wines have invested in a new winery and vineyard sites over the last few years, with further improvement plans underway.
Excelling with their vineyard-first approach to winemaking, Giant Steps is committed to viticultural excellence, producing high-quality fruit that is 100% handpicked.
This is a new senior leadership role, reporting to the General Manager, that will have the opportunity to work with industry leaders and drive the next stage of expansion plans and continual vineyard improvements.
The Head of Viticulture and Grape Supply will be responsible for all Giant Steps owned and leased vineyards, as well as managing the grape supply program and grower relations. Based at the winery in Yarra Glen, this role will be a key part of the senior management team, directing viticulture operations, including long-term strategic planning, financials, contracts, labour and safety. This is an exciting role for a great leader, who will share their passion and excitement for wine with their team and the industry.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct and oversee the viticultural and site operations at all vineyards keeping oversight and focus on safety, quality, and end use
- Build and nurture a positive team culture, mentoring and developing all vineyard staff
- Responsible for WH&S compliance and ensuring that all work activities are carried out safely
- Strategically plan and manage the Giant Steps Grape supply chain, including own vineyards, leased sites, and growers
- Fiscal responsibility for delivery of the grape supply to the Giant Steps business to budget
- Management of the vineyard operating expenditure and capital expenditure budgets, including all financial accountability for vineyard management
- Contract negotiations for grower and contract vineyard fruit supply
- Strategic and long-term planning for Giant Steps viticulture operations including replanting and vineyard establishment program for all sites
- Lead program and operations for sustainability targets and regenerative viticulture
- Local and interstate logistics, planning and execution for grape and vineyard equipment movement
- Asset management and preventative maintenance program for all Giant Steps vineyard and related machinery, including shared resources between sites
- Overall management of the general upkeep and maintenance of all properties and vineyards
- Management and responsibility for contractors and labour hire
Key Requirements:
- Tertiary qualification in Viticulture, Oenology or related discipline
- Highly developed leadership skills and experience managing a diverse team
- Relevant experience managing vineyard and/or winery operations
- Experience with managing stakeholder relations and contract negotiation
- Business acumen, including setting strategic and long-term plans, managing CAPEX/OPEX budgets and providing reports
- Strong technical knowledge and ability to set viticulture programs, with experience in cool climate regions
- Passionate about the wine industry, with experience as a brand advocate an advantage
- Well-developed understanding of WH&S legislation, policies and best practice
- Ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of audiences
- Working knowledge of sustainable and regenerative farming practices, an advantage
- Practical experience in vineyard operations and ability to operate equipment, an advantage
- Excellent organisation, planning and problem-solving skills
- Driven, motivated and able to take the initiative
- Attention to detail in work and personal presentation
- Ability to work extended hours when required
- Capacity for regular domestic travel
- Current driver’s licence
- Forklift and truck licence, an advantage
- Must have permanent Australian work rights
To discuss this role or receive a copy of the position description, contact Glenn Thompson at gthompson@winenet.com.au or 0438 308 278.
More Information
About Giant Steps
Established in 1997 in the Yarra Valley, Giant Steps is one of the most acclaimed wine businesses in the Yarra Valley, making world-class wines from exceptional single vineyard sites. Their wines tell the story of the unique single vineyards that they farm, and Giant Steps are proud that they are shared around the great restaurants and dining tables through Australia and the world.
The Single Vineyard range is sourced from each of their six vineyard sites around the Valley, using the most site-expressive fruit from that year’s vintage.
The Yarra Valley range showcases the best of the Yarra Valley as a region.
Blended exclusively from their single vineyard sites, Circle of Fifths captures the strengths of these vineyards in one wine – carefully crafted and fine-tuned over myriad blending sessions.
“Where the Single Vineyard wines are the pure voices and clean tones of each vineyard, Circle of Fifths is the chord.” – Melanie Chester, Head Winemaker & General Manager
In addition to the 80 Ha of owned and leased vineyards, is an established supply chain of contract growers. To ensure ongoing fruit quality and vine health, Giant Steps uses an extensive range of hands-on processes and skills, including handpicking all fruit. They also incorporate sustainable and regenerative viticulture, with a view to growing the best grapes possible.
Embracing the team’s shared passion and excitement for wine, the leadership culture is built on trust, diversity and inclusion. Collaboration across the team is a key part of their success, from the vineyard to winery and sales, sharing skillsets, knowledge and resources.
https://www.giantstepswine.com.au/
Jackson Family Wines
Based in California in the USA, Jackson Family Wines have an established global presence, owning wineries and vineyards in many of the world’s most renown winemaking regions. With Jackson’s international influence and distribution channels, Giant Steps has been able to grown their market reach and reputation as a world class winery.
“We see possibility in a handful of earth. We’ve been family-owned and family-run since we planted our first vine in 1974. While our family of winegrowers has expanded over the years, one thing that has not changed is our family culture. Wine is our passion, and from this passion comes our multigenerational vision to grow wines of distinction, do business ethically and empower our people.”
Award Highlights
2025 The Real Review – White Wine of the Year | 2023 Applejack Vineyard Chardonnay
2025 Halliday Companion Awards – Pinot Noir of the Year | 2023 Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir
2025 Halliday Companion Awards – Winery of the Year & Top 5 Star Winery
2024 National Wine Show of Australia – Pinot Noir Trophy | 2022 Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir
2023 The Real Review – Top Wineries Australia
Australian Pinot Noir Challenge – Regional Trophy, Yarra Valley | 2023 Giant Steps Sexton Vineyard Pinot Noir
James Halliday Australian Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge – Best of Region, Yarra Valley | 2022 Sexton Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon