Assistant vineyard manager & winemaker
- Company: Mereworth Wines
- Closing Date: 31-07-2026
- Location: Mereworth, Kent
- Salary: £29-32k
- Hours: Fixed term
- Contact Title: Managing Director & Head of Production
- Contact Name: Scott Gebbie
- Contact Email: sgebbie@mereworthwines.co.uk
- Contact Telephone: 01622817795
- How to Apply: Please email your C.V. and a covering letter to Scott Gebbie at sgebbie@mereworthwines.co.uk
Description
Assistant Vineyard Manager & Winemaker
About Mereworth Wines
Mereworth Wines is an award-winning grower and producer of premium English sparkling wine in the heart of Kent. Alongside our vineyards and winery, we operate a thriving cellar door offering tours, tastings, dining, events and live music, as well as providing contract winemaking services.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and practical Assistant Vineyard Manager & Winemaker to join our small, hands-on team. This is an exceptionally varied role that offers involvement in every stage of grape growing and wine production.
We're looking for someone who is mechanically minded, has a passion for plants and vines, and takes pride in producing exceptional English wine.
Key Responsibilities
Vineyard Operations
Working alongside the Vineyard Manager, you will help plan and carry out seasonal vineyard operations including:
Pruning and vine training
Shoot thinning and canopy management
Wire lifting
Spraying
Trimming and topping
Mowing and mulching
Under-vine cultivation
Mechanical leaf removal
Harvest operations
Pest and disease monitoring
Orchard and wider estate horticultural maintenance
Groundskeeping around the winery, vineyards and visitor areas
You will also:
Operate tractors, forklifts and associated machinery safely
Carry out routine inspections, servicing and maintenance of equipment
Maintain spray records and other statutory documentation
Assist with stock control, purchasing and health & safety compliance
Winery & Production
You will support all aspects of wine production, including:
Fruit processing and pressing
Fermentation management
Laboratory analysis
Racking and blending
Filtration
Bottling
Disgorging
Labelling and packaging
Cellar hygiene and cleaning
You'll also assist with:
Food safety and production record keeping
Stocktakes
New product development and production trials
Packaging, storage and distribution
Sustainability and accreditation records
Estate & Cellar Door
As part of a small team, you'll also support the wider business by:
Maintaining the appearance of the winery and visitor areas
Carrying out general maintenance tasks
Identifying and reporting health & safety issues
Supporting horticultural projects, woodland trails and visitor experiences
Assisting the hospitality team during busy periods when required
Undertaking other reasonable duties to support the business
About You
We're looking for someone who is mechanically minded, practical, proactive and enjoys working across a wide range of tasks.
Essential
Passion for vines, plants and horticulture
Mechanically minded with good practical skills
Willingness to learn and develop
Positive attitude and strong work ethic
Full UK driving licence
Desirable
Vineyard or horticultural experience
Tractor driving experience
Winemaking or food/manufacturing experience
PA1/PA2/PA3 spraying certificates
Forklift licence
What We Offer
A genuinely varied role across vineyard, winery and estate operations
Opportunity to develop practical winemaking and viticulture skills
Work with premium English wine from vine to bottle
Training and professional development opportunities
A supportive, ambitious and passionate team
Staff discounts across the business
Hours
The normal working week is Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday depending on operational requirements.
Due to the seasonal nature of vineyard and winery work, flexibility is required during harvest and other peak periods.
