Viticulture Field Representative (454) Napa, California
Delicato Family Vineyards is a family-owned California winery founded in 1924. Three generations of the Indelicato family have guided grapes from vineyard to bottle and into homes and dining establishments around the world. Delicato Family Vineyards is steadfastly committed to crafting and representing wines of the highest quality produced in accordance with sustainable winegrowing practices. Among the leading and fastest growing wine companies in America, the Delicato Family Vineyards’ portfolio includes Gnarly Head, Black Stallion Estate Winery, Noble Vines, Belle Ambiance, Juxtapoz, HandCraft Artisan Collection, La Merika, Brazin, Bota Box, Massimo, Irony, Domino, Sequin and Twisted.
Position Purpose:
Acting on own initiative, the Viticulture Field Representative is primarily responsible for establishing, developing, and maintaining policies, procedures and quality objectives for the wine grape growing process. Accountable for providing viticulture information necessary for grape assessments, and guidance to growers.
Essential Duties:
• Works closely with Winemakers and Grower Relations Manager to develop farm plans to achieve specific wine program quality standards.
• Working as a liaison, makes farming recommendations to growers, in partnership with Winemaking and Grower Relations Manager.
• In conjunction with Grower Relations Manager, develops a schedule that will allow time for grower interaction year round with an emphasis on improving grape quality and cultural practices.
• Monitors and maintains vineyard assessments for all contracted vineyards.
• Tours vineyards with Winemakers during harvest season, assisting in vineyard assessments; develops a harvest priority list based on wine program, quality, and maturity.
• Assists growers in harvest logistics (transportation requirements, scheduling) for optimal quality.
• Familiarization of North Coast winemaking regions, appellations, varieties, climates, terroir, and how they relate to variation of growing practices.
• Ensures appropriate record keeping and data management as it relates to vineyard data, viticulture data, processing reports and schedules to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Uses GIS mapping software to input and maintain data for vineyard identification and assessment.
• Directs the grape samplers through instruction, scheduling, route development, comparing samples to delivered fruit to develop accurate sampling information.
• Maintains an open line of communication with pertinent organizational groups, ensuring an effective partnership between the company and its growers with a commitment to cultivate long lasting grower relationships.
Non-Essential Duties:
• Provides administrative/clerical support as needed, i.e. word processing, filing, phone, email, report maintenance, and calendar coordination.
• Represents Delicato Family Vineyards at local industry events.
Minimum Requirements:
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor of Science degree in Viticulture, Enology, or related field. Three or more years of experience working in agricultural field with comparable hands-on practical experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent organizational and communication skills. Must be detail and multi-task oriented. Proficient in the use of MS Office based environment, (Word, Outlook, Excel and other software applications).
• Thorough understanding of viticulture and winemaking. Ability to work in a fast paced dynamic environment. Must be willing to follow and lead when necessary. Follow direction and lead others by example. Must be able to work flexible hours, days, and shifts during harvest, including early morning hours and some weekends. Must be able to walk and travel through vineyards (uneven terrain).
Delicato offers its employees a generous and comprehensive benefits package. The core health insurance components include medical, dental and vision, where Delicato covers nearly the entire cost for employees and a large percentage for dependents. Additional health benefits include life, disability and flexible spending accounts. Other benefits include 401(k) with generous company match, discretionary profit sharing, paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, wine & merchandise discounts, tuition reimbursement, gym discounts & many more.
EOE