Description:
O’Neill Vintners & Distillers was founded in 2004 with a simple idea from our founder, Jeff O’Neill, that great wines should be enjoyed by all. We believe those wines must be of exceptional quality, centered around our core belief that doing the right thing for our employees, consumers, partners, and the planet is key to a sustainable future. As our family-owned business has grown, so has our belief in business as a force for good. We are proud to be an industry leader in sustainability and a Certified B Corporation.
We are one of California's largest wineries, with operations in Larkspur, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Parlier, CA. Our award-winning portfolio of consumer brands includes Line 39, FitVine, Harken Chardonnay, Rabble, Charles Woodson’s Intercept, Robert Hall, Allegro Cellars, Ram’s Gate, Substance, ViNO, 209 Gin, and BrandyLab.
We are seeking to add a Viticulturalist for our Luxury Winegrowing team. In this role, you will shape the future of our premium wine portfolio through innovative, sustainable, and regenerative vineyard practices. Partnering closely with our luxury brand winemakers and senior leadership, this role will align vineyard operations with quality, style, and cost-effectiveness goals, while also advancing our Regenerative Organic Certified initiatives. As a strategic thinker and spokesperson, the role bridges viticulture, sustainability, and brand integrity, driving excellence in both the field and the broader luxury winegrowing community.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job, but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.
- Collaborate with O’Neill luxury brand winemakers to meet quality, style, and cost-effectiveness targets, and with the broader Winegrowing team to meet team goals.
- Work closely with the Head of Sustainability and EVP – Luxury to ensure seamless planning, execution, and communication of O’Neill’s sustainability and regenerative work, including Regenerative Organic Certified programs and successful recertification processes.
- Serve as spokesperson and thought leader for O’Neill’s regenerative, sustainable, and luxury work.
- Oversee the establishment, management, and harvesting of O’Neill-owned vineyards in Paso Robles and Sonoma County in collaboration with luxury winemakers.
- Lead the winegrowing strategy to ensure our farming techniques produce the desired quality for brand health.
- Direct the work performed on such properties by vineyard management companies and other service providers.
- Proactively collaborate with winemaking and make recommendations regarding future plantings, grafting, and acquisition of estate vineyards.
- Oversee the management and harvest of fruit for O’Neill luxury programs.
- Maintain records and documentation necessary for the vineyards under his or her management.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the luxury grape market to identify desirable fruit for luxury programs; ensures superior quality and consistency of O’Neill’s highest value fruit.
- Build luxury regenerative and organic farm plans for O’Neill-owned vineyards and oversee their execution.
- Participate in professional organizations that further O’Neill’s interests in the coastal, luxury, sustainable, and regenerative grape and wine communities.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with vineyard management companies, media, and community organizations in the areas of operation.
- Participate in education and hospitality programs as needed at Robert Hall and Ram’s Gate wineries and commercial teams.
- Understand and comply with company policies.
Requirements:
QUALIFICATIONS:
To fulfill this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications
- A valid California Driver’s License is required.
- Ability to travel up to 25% off-season and as much as 40% during harvest
Preferred Qualifications
- A.S. Degree in Viticulture or related field is preferred.
- Minimum 3 – 5 years’ experience in luxury vineyard management.
- Experience with the highest standards of viticulture supporting luxury wine programs.
- Experience with and demonstrated commitment to sustainable, organic and/or regenerative certifications and practices.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills in a spokesperson capacity.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and Excel software.
- Ability to deal effectively with diverse individuals at all organizational levels inside and outside the company.
- Ability to manage outside vendors and service providers in a manner that supports O’Neill’s aims.
- Commitment to excellence and high standards.
- Strong organizational skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.
- Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
CULTURAL BEHAVIORS:
O’Neill team members are Forward Thinkers. Hard Working without Drama. Friendly Problem Solvers who work as One Team to Always Deliver.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:
- Lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
- Work in wet, humid, and/or extreme heat.
- Sit for prolonged periods while driving to and from field locations.
- Perform some repetitive motion activities.
- Coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- A percentage of work time is spent outdoors, with moderate temperatures and noise levels.
- A percentage of work time is spent indoors in an office environment.
O’Neill Vintners & Distillers offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, short- and long-term disability, a 401(k) with a company match, Paid Time Off, holidays, and more.
O’Neill Vintners & Distillers is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
All candidates must pass a comprehensive background check and drug screen and adhere to all Company, Federal, and State Food Safety Regulations and Policies. This organization participates in E-Verify.
