Vineyard and Winery Supervisor - Cimicky Estate

The property
The property currently comprises 12.5 Hectares of producing vineyard with the potential to plant a further 5 Hectares. The vineyard is being managed following regenerative principles, with the aim of achieving SWA (Sustainable Winegrowing Australia), organic and eventually, bio-dynamic certification. Planning has commenced to plant an additional one hectare this year and other areas will be grubbed in preparation for re-planting as part of an overall improvement program.

Grapes have been crushed and fermented off-site during vintages 2023 and 2024, with dry wines being brought back ex-press for barrel maturation. Both Estate-grown fruit and purchased grapes will be processed on-site from vintage 2025 in the well-equipped boutique winery once maintenance works are complete.

Following a long and proud history, including being rated as a 5-Star Halliday Winery as recently as 2021, this year marks the beginning in a turnaround at Cimicky Estate following changes of ownership and company restructuring. As such, we are now seeking to fill a newly-created full-time position.
The role
We are looking for a mature, practical and enthusiastic hands-on Vineyard and Winery Supervisor to join our team. This opportunity will allow the successful applicant to work in both the Vineyard and Winery as needs dictate and in function of the seasons. Although most of the major vineyard operations (spraying, under-vine weeding, harvesting) are sub-contracted, you will have a hands-on role in the daily development and upkeep of the vineyard infrastructure. Specifically, the irrigation and trellising are in need to significant repair work and there are areas requiring vine removal and re-planting. Although the most labour-intensive of those projects will be sub-contracted, they will require your input in their planning and co-ordination to run smoothly.

In the winery you will ensure that all major equipment is maintained in readiness for use, in addition to assisting with cellar work as required during the year. During vintage you will be the key interface between harvesting and grape processing, as well as participating in vintage winemaking operations – crushing, pump overs, pressing, barrel work etc.

About you
You will:
• Assist with the overall management and supervision of the vineyard team and contractors
• Supervise the operation of a range of vineyard machinery including tractors, mowers and under-vine machinery
• Advise on maintenance and investment requirements for vineyard machinery and infrastructure
• Ensure regular and appropriate maintenance of vineyard plant and equipment
• Implement and execute an effective irrigation program
• Organise repairs to any equipment (sourcing quotes for significant purchases)
• Advise on maintenance and investment requirements for vineyard machinery and infrastructure, seeking the best available solutions for the future
• Maintain records of all vineyard operations, inputs and outputs with a view to achieving SWA Certification
• Participate in grape processing during vintage and ensure appropriate waste disposal (composting wherever possible)
• Assist with wine transfers, racking & blending, barrel work, wine maintenance and cellar sanitation
• Liaise with maintenance contractors and maintain all cellar equipment in optimal operating order
• Forklift operations as required
• Make a commitment to demonstrate safe work practices and habits at all times