Vineyard Workers

Job description

Assist with vineyard maintenance with leaf removal, crop thinning, irrigation adjustments, harvesting and sorting, cover crop seeding, pruning, and canopy management for vines and grapes that are typically at a height of 3 to 5 feet. In performing this work, the Vineyard Workers will not engage in hand weeding, hand thinning, or hand hot-capping and will note be stooping, kneeling, or squatting. Perform precise vine pruning techniques (e.g., Guyot, spur, cordon, or vertical shoot positioning) to balance vigor and yield based on soil vigor mapping and clonal behavior-techniques learned across multiple terroirs from France to New Zealand. Assist with canopy management strategies (leaf pulling, shoot positioning, and green harvesting) according to microclimate variations in the Russian River AVA to optimize sunlight exposure, phenolic development, and disease prevention. Support organic and biodynamic vineyard protocols, including compost application, cover cropping, lunar-influenced tasks, and soil regeneration strategies in line with global best practices. Conduct in-depth fruit sampling and maturity assessments (sugar, acid, tannin ripeness) and advise vineyard teams on optimal pick dates, working closely with winemaking staff to align vineyard and cellar strategy. Apply handling of Italian cultivars (Nebbiolo, Sangiovese) grown in Californian soils, offering insights into phenolic development, acidity retention, and structural balance—based on first-hand experience with these grapes in Italy and internationally.

On-the-job training provided. The employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, supplies, and equipment required to perform the job.

Special Requirements

Requires 3 months of experience in any vineyard occupation. Training will be provided for 2 days.