Vineyard Manager
Deadline for applications: CLOSED
Yangarra Estate Vineyard, recently named Vineyard of the Year, (YGOW), along with its sibling site Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard, are two of McLaren Vale’s most iconic sites. Their relentless pursuit of excellence has established them as leaders in innovative viticulture and winemaking. The portfolio of world-class wines reflects the exceptional care and attention to detail in the vineyard.
At the forefront of Grenache in Australia, the 1946 bush vines of this variety are the cornerstone of Yangarra. The 69 Ha vineyard is also planted with a mix of southern Rhône varieties, ranging from traditional Shiraz and Roussanne to Bourboulenc, Piquepoul Noir, Clairette Blanc and Counoise, among others. The 51 Ha Hickinbotham vineyard focuses on premium quality Bordeaux and Rhône varietals and has a legacy of producing fruit for many of Australia’s top producers. Early adopters of organic and biodynamic farming, both Yangarra and Hickinbotham use these principles in combination with regenerative farming practices to increase biodiversity, soil and vine health, and fruit quality. Jackson Family Wines acquired Yangarra Estate in 2000 and the Hickinbotham vineyard in 2012.
Reporting to the General Manager, this role will be responsible for all aspects of the two company-owned vineyards, from day-to-day operations through to strategy and financial responsibility. The Vineyard Manager will be a proactive leader, inspiring a cohesive and highly skilled team, providing technical direction and guidance. They will also manage the equipment renewal program and contribute to opportunities for further innovation and growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct and oversee all aspects of the company-owned vineyards, ensuring they are managed to the highest standards using biodynamic, organic, and regenerative farming practices
- Oversee the vineyard staff, providing leadership by fostering a positive team culture through coaching, mentoring, and professional development
- Oversee vineyard contractors, ensuring work quality and compliance with agreed specifications
- Lead WH&S compliance efforts, ensuring all activities are conducted in line with company procedures and industry best practices.
- Manage vineyard operating and capital expenditure budgets, with full financial accountability for vineyard performance
- Ensure the delivery of internal grape supply and external grape sales within budget, maintaining fiscal responsibility across all grape-related outputs
- Lead all capital vineyard development projects, including land preparation, sourcing, planting and quality control
- Strategically plan and manage all viticulture programs, including virus and trunk disease management
- Manage harvest logistics in close coordination with the Winemaker
- Maintain and oversee asset management and preventative maintenance programs for all vineyard equipment and machinery
- Explore opportunities for continuous improvement, including benchmarking of operations, to enhance practices, soil health and fruit quality
Key Requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications in Agriculture, Horticulture or Viticulture
- Demonstrated experience managing vineyard operations
- Strong technical knowledge and capability to design and implement viticultural programs
- Business acumen and experience creating and managing CAPEX and OPEX budgets
- A demonstrated interest and knowledge of regenerative, organic and/or biodynamic farming practices an advantage
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate, mentor, and coach a team
- Sound understanding of WHS legislation, policies, and best practices
- Practical experience in all vineyard operations and solid understanding of vineyard equipment
- Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work autonomously and take initiative
- Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present confidently to groups and engage professionally with internal and external stakeholders
- Excellent analytical, organisational and planning skills, and problem-solving capabilities
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships across all levels
- Passionate about the wine industry and committed to continuous improvement with a growth mindset and strong intellectual curiosity
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
Innovation
Yangarra Estate has been at the forefront of innovation since it was established and continues this approach in their constant pursuit of excellence. They were one of the first producers to plant many of the eclectic southern Rhône varieties in Australia and early adopters of organic and biodynamic farming in viticulture.
In the winery, Yangarra Estate has been using ceramic eggs for fermentation and maturation since 2013 and is a pioneer in high-quality, skin contact winemaking. They continue to experiment with extended maceration, skin contact and various clay, ceramic, and stone vessels, in addition to larger format oak fermentation and maturation, with the ultimate goal of more pure expression of site.
Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture
Yangarra adopted organic practices in 2008 and became certified organic and biodynamic through Australia Certified Organic (ACO) in 2012, and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA) Certified in 2024. Meticulous attention to detail is taken in the vineyard’s management. The goal in pursuing biodynamics was to improve soil health and vitality and to create a healthy and biodiverse natural environment that could foster greater purity in the wines. They continue to incorporate these principles in their regenerative farming practices.
Hickinbotham vineyard has been farmed using organic and biodynamic principles since 2019 and obtained certification through ACO in 2023, and SWA certified in 2024.
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 renowned winemaking regions.
“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.”
Yangarra Estate Vineyard
Originally planted in 1946, Yangarra has focused on southern Rhône varieties suited to the unique growing conditions of the site. The 69 Ha vineyard is planted with: Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Counoise, Cinsaut, Carignan, Muscardin, Piquepoul Noir, Grenache Gris, Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Piquepoul Blanc, and Clairette Blanc.
Award Highlights
Vineyard of the Year – Yangarra Estate Vineyard | 5th Annual Young Gun of Wine Vineyard of the Year Awards
Old Vineyard of the Year – Yangarra High Sands Grenache Block | 3rd Annual Young Gun of Wine Vineyard of the Year Awards
Landmark Australian Vineyard – High Sands Vineyard (grenache) | The Australian Ark, Andrew Caillard MW
Top Wineries of Australia 2018-2025 & Top listed McLaren Vale Winery in 2025 | The Real Review
#2 Top 100 Wineries 2023 | Halliday Wine Companion
#4 Top 100 Wineries 2024 | Halliday Wine Companion
Shortlisted Winery of the Year 2023, 2024, 2026 | Halliday Wine Companion Awards
Shortlisted Viticulturalist of the Year 2023 & 2024 | Halliday Wine Companion Awards
Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard
First planted in 1971, by Alan Hickinbotham Jr., whose father, Alan Robb Hickinbotham, established the wine science department at the University of Adelaide, the first in Australia.
First planted in 1971, by Alan Hickinbotham Jr., whose father, Alan Robb Hickinbotham, established the wine science department at the University of Adelaide, the first in Australia.
Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard sits at the northernmost edge of McLaren Vale in the sub-region of Clarendon in South Australia. The vineyard has been farmed using organic and biodynamic principles since 2019 and has 51 Ha planted with Bordeaux and Rhône varieties.
The pedigree of the Hickinbotham Vineyard has long been established but, until the change of ownership in 2012, grapes were only ever sold to an esteemed list of winemakers. With wineries including Penfolds, Clarendon Hills and Hardys, grapes were credited to flagship wines like Penfolds Grange and Eileen Hardy Shiraz.
Award Highlights
Top Wineries of Australia 2018-2025 & #2 in McLaren Vale 2025 | The Real Review
#50 Top Wineries of Australia 2023 | Halliday Wine Companion
Finalist Vineyard of the Year 2022, 2023, 2025 | Young Gun of Wine Vineyard of the Year Awards
Shortlisted Viticulturalist of the Year 2023 & 2024 | Halliday Wine Companion Awards