Job Description

The Vineyards at Dodon seeks an experienced winemaker and senior executive to oversee all aspects of the farm and winery.

Farm Overview

The Vineyards at Dodon is a diversified operation that includes wine grape and wine production, silvopastured lamb, and agrotourism. The company is currently diversifying its product mix and landscape by adding small-scale vegetable production, silvopastured pork and poultry, and value-added products from its orchard and food forest. The Vineyards at Dodon is globally recognized as a leader in regenerative viticulture, and its affiliated nonprofit, the Dodon Center for Ecological Farming, conducts educational programs and policy-oriented projects at the intersection of agriculture, human health, the environment, and social justice.

Position Overview

The General Manager & Winemaker serves as the senior leader, overseeing all aspects of the farm and winery, including agricultural operations, wine production, hospitality, sales support, brand development, and business performance. This hands-on leadership role ensures exceptional wines and other agricultural products while driving profitability, operational excellence, ecosystem restoration, and outstanding customer experiences.

The ideal candidate combines deep business insight with extensive winemaking expertise, a commitment to building a sustainable and respected brand, and a passion for environmental stewardship and ecosystem restoration. They enjoy managing diverse agricultural and value-added systems, owning projects from planning through execution, and inspiring a highly qualified team devoted to each other, the community, and the environment. The position reports directly to the owners.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the strategic vision and annual business plan.
• Establish operational, financial, production, and sales goals.
• Monitor operational performance against key metrics and budgets.
• Provide leadership and direction across all business functions.
• Collaborate with ownership on long-term growth initiatives and capital investments.

Winemaking & Production

• Lead all winemaking activities from vineyard through bottling.
• Work with the Executive Winemaker and the Consulting Winemaker to develop wine styles and blending strategies consistent with the winery's brand.
• Oversee harvest planning, grape intake, crushing, fermentation, aging, and bottling operations.
• Ensure all wine production meets quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Carry out non-wine alcoholic beverage production, including cider and brandy.
• Work with the Farm Manager to oversee production of non-beverage agricultural products, including meat, vegetables, teas, jams, cordials, and other non-timber forest products.
• Administer laboratory testing, inventory management, and production records.
• Collaborate with vineyard teams to optimize fruit quality.
• Continuously improve production efficiency and wine quality.

Winery Operations

• Oversee day-to-day winery operations and facility management.
• Ensure operational compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Track and report bottling volumes, transfers, tax payments, and harvest data.
• Maintain workplace safety standards and food safety requirements.
• Develop and manage operational policies and procedures.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance and capital improvement projects.

Financial Management

• Direct the operations manager to ensure financials are complete and up-to-date.
• Prepare and manage annual operating budgets.
• Monitor profitability, cash flow, production costs, and inventory management.
• Analyze financial performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Approve expenditures and oversee vendor relationships.
• Manage cost controls while maintaining quality standards.

Regulatory Compliance Management

• Oversee the Operations Manager to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, including reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of production, inventory, and sales
• Compile and file labels with TTB for approval.
• Ensure all licenses are current and renewals are submitted on time.
• Develop and implement internal compliance policies and procedures.
• Train staff on compliance requirements and responsible practices.

Sales, Marketing & Brand Development

• Supervise and support the Sales Director on direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and distribution growth strategies.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Manager on brand positioning and promotional campaigns.
• Represent the winery at industry events, trade shows, wine dinners, and media engagements.
• Participate in key account and distributor relationships.
• Serve as a brand ambassador and spokesperson for the winery.

Hospitality & Customer Experience

• Oversee the Wine Club and Sales Managers to ensure exceptional guest experiences throughout winery and tasting room operations.
• Maintain high hospitality standards consistent with the winery's brand.
• Support wine club growth and customer retention initiatives.
• Resolve guest concerns and oversee service excellence programs.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate personnel.
• Oversee H-2A recruiting
• Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative work culture.
• Lead performance management and professional development efforts.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels during harvest and peak tourism seasons.
• Promote safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Enology, Viticulture, Fermentation Science, Agriculture, Business Administration, or related field.
• Master's degree in Enology, Viticulture, or Business Administration preferred.

Experience

• 8+ years of progressive winery management experience.
• 5+ years of commercial winemaking leadership experience.
• Proven success managing winery operations, budgets, and teams.
• Experience overseeing harvest operations and production planning.
• Knowledge of winery compliance and regulatory requirements.

Technical Knowledge

• Enology and fermentation management.
• Vineyard management principles.
• Wine chemistry and sensory evaluation.
• Production planning and inventory management.
• Financial management and budgeting.
• Sales and hospitality operations.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Strategic and analytical thinking.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills.
• Financial and operational acumen.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Passion for wine quality and customer experience.
• Fluency in English and Spanish

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work extended hours during harvest.
• Ability to work in varying weather and winery production environments.
• Must be available for evenings, weekends, special events, and harvest-related schedules.

Success Metrics

• Wine quality and consistency
• Revenue growth and profitability
• Budget management
• Production efficiency
• Customer satisfaction
• Wine club growth and retention
• Employee engagement and retention
• Compliance and safety performance
• Brand reputation and market expansion

Compensation

Competitive salary, performance-based bonus opportunities, a benefits package, wine allocation, and professional development opportunities.

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume

• Cover Letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the position

Please email application materials to:

Subject Line:

General Manager and Winemaker Application – (Your Name)

In your cover letter, please include:

1. Relevant agriculture, horticulture, vegetable, orchard, or landscape experience.

2. Experience operating tractors, machinery, irrigation systems, and farm equipment.

3. An example of a project, farm, garden, orchard, or property you have managed or helped develop.

4. Why this position interests you.

Applicants who do not submit both a resume and cover letter, or who fail to follow the application instructions above, will not be considered for the position.

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