Vineyard manager: focus on a profession little known to the general public

We Know the Concert Hall Manager, but Much Less About the Vineyard Manager. However, the role of a vineyard manager is crucial to the smooth operation of a wine production business. Here’s everything you need to know about the vineyard manager.

What Do They Do?

In both agriculture and viticulture, the role of the vineyard manager encompasses several aspects. They typically work in the vineyards, overseeing their growth and maintenance. Also known as the head of cultivation, the vineyard manager supervises all tasks within the vineyard. They manage the entire team working in the vineyards, including recruitment, scheduling, and defining working conditions, and they operate under the responsibility of the technical director of the operation. They are also responsible for all purchases related to vineyard maintenance (pesticides, fertilizers, equipment, etc.). Additionally, they work closely with the cellar master or the oenologist.

How Did They Get There?

To become a vineyard manager, one must have a solid understanding of soils, vines, and winemaking methods. Various educational paths lead to this profession and prepare future vineyard managers. These include qualifications ranging from a BEP (Vocational Certificate) in “Agricultural Management” to a degree in “Viticulture and Oenology Engineering,” including professional baccalaureate, BTS (Higher Technician Certificate), and professional bachelor's degrees.

FAQ - Estate manager

What does a vineyard manager do?

They supervise all the work carried out in the vineyard and oversee the growth and maintenance of the vines. They manage the team, handle scheduling and working conditions, and take care of purchases linked to the vines. They operate under the responsibility of the technical director of the operation.

Is a vineyard manager the same as a head of cultivation?

Yes, the vineyard manager is also known as the head of cultivation. Both titles refer to the person who organises and supervises all the tasks carried out within the vineyard.

How do you become a vineyard manager?

The role requires a solid understanding of soils, vines and winemaking methods. Several qualifications lead to it, from a vocational certificate in agricultural management to a degree in viticulture and oenology engineering, including a professional baccalaureate, a higher technician certificate and a professional bachelor's degree.

Which qualifications lead to the vineyard manager profession?

The path covers every level of study. It runs from a vocational certificate in agricultural management through the professional baccalaureate, the higher technician certificate and a professional bachelor's degree, up to a degree in viticulture and oenology engineering.

Who does the vineyard manager work with?

They work closely with the cellar master or the oenologist and act under the responsibility of the technical director of the operation. They also coordinate the teams working in the vineyard, from recruitment to organising day-to-day tasks.