Deadline for applications: Friday, 26th September 2025

The new Vineyard Manager for Coombe Yarra Valley will be at the centre of vineyard development and improvement plans, part of a strategic shift to strengthen operations and elevate quality. This is an opportunity to drive a strategic revitalisation project with significant investment committed to position the vineyard for ongoing performance, integrating equipment and infrastructure upgrades, innovations, and new technology.

Located in Coldstream, just an hour from Melbourne, the vineyard is planted with a range of cool climate varieties, predominately Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Established in 1998, the vineyard has a total of 45 Ha under vine, along with additional agricultural land. Part of the Coombe Yarra Valley Estate, the vineyard produces fruit for the brands portfolio, as well as supplying a number of Yarra Valley wineries.

Reporting to the Managing Director, this is a hands-on role that will be responsible for all vineyard operations and land stewardship, leading the team in best-practice viticulture to ensure quality and profitability. This role will also manage the vineyard redevelopment strategy and capital expenditure budget, from planning through to implementation. The Vineyard Manager will be an integral part of the senior leadership team, working closely with the broader wine business and liaising with grape supply customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and execute all vineyard operations and viticulture programs, optimising grape quality, yield and profitability
• Coordinate work schedules and allocate resources, enhancing operational efficiency
• Manage, train, and lead the vineyard staff and contract labour, fostering a safe, positive and productive work culture
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
• Strategically plan and implement vineyard improvement and redevelopment projects
• Prepare and manage operational and capital expenditure budgets
• Maintain accurate records and provide regular reports
• Work with the broader wine team, contributing technical knowledge and guidance
• Manage harvest logistics and consult with winemakers and grape supply customers on timing and delivery of fruit
• Maintain strong relationships and liaise with grape supply customers, ensuring the delivery of grapes to specification and achieving commercial return
• Implement sustainable vineyard practices and initiatives
• Manage a preventative maintenance and renewal program for all plant and equipment
• Manage the extended land holdings, including livestock, infrastructure, maintenance, and related stakeholders

Key Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Viticulture, Agriculture, or Horticulture, an advantage
• Experience in strategic vineyard management, or senior viticulture role
• Strong technical knowledge and ability to develop and implement proactive viticulture and vine health programs
• Experience with vineyard redevelopment, improvement and upgrade projects
• Leadership skills with experience managing teams and contract labour
• Proven ability in managing budgets and delivering reports
• Continuous improvement mindset, with an understanding of new technology and systems
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work autonomously and take initiative
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Organisational and problem-solving abilities
• Well-developed industry networks and connections
• Knowledge and ability to manage cattle, an advantage (desirable)
• Physical capability, with the ability to operate and maintain vineyard machinery and equipment
• Forklift and drivers’ licence

To discuss this role or receive a copy of the position description, contact Glenn Thompson at gthompson@winenet.com.au or 0438 308 278.

Coombe Yarra Valley Estate

The Coombe Yarra Valley Estate is also the home of renowned opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, established in 1909 as her private residence and now open to the public. The cellar door and restaurant are part of the historic property, showcasing the estate’s portfolio of wines with a range of tasting and dining options.

The long-standing connection to the region and wine industry extends beyond both the Coombe Estate and vineyard to Melba’s father, the renowned Melbourne architect David Mitchell. Purchasing properties in the Coldstream and Gruyere areas in the late 1860s, he planted vines and constructed what is thought to be one of the regions first wineries on the site. He was also responsible for building at least two other wineries in the area, including Yeringberg.

www.coombeyarravalley.com.au

Vineyard & Land

The vineyard was established in 1998, with additional vines being planted over the following 20 years. Along with the Coombe Yarra Valley wine brand, the vineyard has supplied fruit to many of the region’s wineries over the years, including highly-awarded producers.

The vineyard is planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as Arneis, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Pinot Gris and Shiraz.

The property is a total of 212 hectares, which includes 45 Ha of vineyard, as well as agricultural support land used for cattle grazing. It ranges from the steep north facing slope on the Maroondah Highway to open flats along the Stringybark Creek.