Assistant Vineyard Manager
- Company: Ham Street Wines
- Closing Date: 28-02-2025
- Location: Hamstreet, Kent, TN26 2JT
- Salary: £18k to £26k per annum equivalent
- Hours: Fixed term
- Contact Title: Owner
- Contact Name: Julian Phillips
- Contact Email: info@hamstreetwines.co.uk
- Contact Telephone: 07709837095
- How to Apply: Please email Jules at info@hamstreetwines.co.uk for more information and to express your interest.
Description
We have an exciting part time opportunity for someone that is interested in biodynamic and regenerative viticulture to develop their experience by joining us as an Assistant Vineyard Manager.
Ham Street Wines is one of only a handful of vineyards in the UK that are certified Biodynamic, practising Regenerative viticulture. Our practices are innovative; utilising the best of traditional practices such as biodynamic preparations, no till agriculture as well as the latest tools such as sap analysis and digital vineyard management platforms. The vineyard was established in 2019 with ten acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Bacchus and Pinot Gris planted, with experimental hybrid plantings established in 2024. In the winery we follow a natural approach meaning that we avoid additions in the winemaking process and leave the vintage to express itself, unaltered. In 2023 we established a winery facility which has a range of manual winemaking equipment and basic staff facilities.
The role
We have a seasonal role during the growing season and harvest period to support and drive key vineyard activities. The role will involve undertaking all key vineyard management tasks throughout the season (wires, green pruning, leaf stripping, green harvesting etc), some experience with tractor activities and other ad hoc tasks (compost and plant tea making/other manual tasks). This is a great opportunity to learn and build practical vineyard experience of key tasks, biodynamic and regenerative practices. During the growing season there may be ad hoc support required in the winery however this role is required mainly for the vineyard. The role will also involve support over the harvest period and in the winery during this time, helping with all core winemaking processes.
Training will be provided by Lucie and Jules (owners and founders) for all tasks and the person will be reporting into Lucie and Jules.
Pay rates are competitive and will be on p/hour basis based on experience. A typical working day would be 8 hours per day excl. breaks however we are open to discussing a more flexible arrangement. There is an expectation of some flexibility in days and hours around key tasks depending on the needs of the vineyard, requiring some early starts and / or late finishes depending on the criticality of the task.
The role will be to provide seasonal support over June to the middle of November, including support over harvest. We will consider candidates both for a full time role or part time (at least 3 days per week).
All work will be situated at Ham Street Vineyard, located outside the village of Hamstreet Kent, TN26 2JT. Local travel may occasionally be required. Someone with a UK driving license is essential.
The person
We are looking for someone that has a passion to learn about viticulture, biodynamics and regenerative agriculture as well as natural wines. They need to be open minded, resilient, willing to learn and flexible in how they work. The person needs to be fit and in good health as the work will be very physically demanding (including moving heavy loads). They need to be comfortable working outdoors all day and through all conditions.
Pay rates are competitive and will be on p/hour basis based on experience. A typical working day would be 8 hours per day excl. breaks however we are open to discussing a more flexible arrangement. There is an expectation of some flexibility in days and hours around key tasks depending on the needs of the vineyard, requiring some early starts and / or late finishes depending on the criticality of the task.
The role will be to provide seasonal support over June to the middle of November, including support over harvest. We will consider candidates both for a full time role or part time (at least 3 days per week).
All work will be situated at Ham Street Vineyard, located outside the village of Ham Street Kent, TN26 2JT.
The person
We require someone that has a passion to learn about viticulture, biodynamics and regenerative agriculture as well as natural wines. They need to be open minded, resilient, willing to learn and flexible in how they work. The person needs to be fit and in good health as the work will be very physically demanding, with an ability to move and lift heavy weights. They need to be comfortable working outdoors all day and through all conditions.
