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Vineyard operative

Viticulture operatives typically work on all the tasks required to maintain the healthy growth of grapes on vines within the vineyard. As a vineyard operative, you may help with some of the processing of the grapes into wine once the grapes have been harvested.

Also known as a vineyard worker. Note, this video relates to some of the technical skills and responsibilities (wine making) that can make up a vineyard operative's role. It does not cover any of the outdoor activities related to the role. These are described within the profile.

Viticulture is the science of growing grapes and vines, and it's the name given to the wine making industry. The UK viticulture industry is full of technology and firmly embedded in supporting a healthy environment and biodiversity across its sites. It's a vibrant and progressive sector that's rapidly expanding.

Over the last five years, the number of vineyards (where grapes are grown) has risen by 74% to 900, and there are now more than 200 wineries (where wine is made) in the UK.

As a vineyard operative, you'll help with a wide variety of tasks depending on whether you're working on a vineyard with a winery attached. Within the vineyard, you might drive farm machinery, such as a tractor, and operate a sprayer to treat the vines. You might also need the training to be able to prune vines effectively and manage weeds or other pests on-site using mechanical, chemical, or natural means. You will also assist with the grape harvest and maintenance of the site and vines over winter.

If the business you work for also has a winery, then you may also need to carry out basic tasks related to fruit processing and wine making. These tasks may include press management, winemaking support, cleaning regime management, and bottling and labelling. On a winery that's open to the public, you may also need to have good people skills so you can carry out site tours, tastings and possible retail of the business’s products.

Most viticulture businesses are deeply engaged with supporting the ecosystems in their site, and you should expect to carry out all tasks with an awareness of the potential effect they may have on the local natural environment.

To become a vineyard operative, you'll need to demonstrate an interest in the wine industry and usually have some educational or hands-on experience of the industry. You'll be expected to have a clean driver’s licence, be willing to gain spray certifications, work well in a team, and be presentable for any public-facing aspects of the role.

The role itself could be full-time but may even be part-time or seasonal, depending on the size of the business. If working as part of a larger operation, you may find yourself working across multiple sites. You would work as part of a small team and report to a vineyard manager or wine maker.

As a vineyard operative your responsibilities might include:

Carrying out all vineyard maintenance activities on vines, under vines, and between rows (interrow)
Understanding the effects of seasonal variation and soil type on growth and maintenance requirements of vines
Identifying diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies that may affect vine growth and responding to them appropriately
Operating the appropriate machinery, such as tractors, for a range of cultivations (preparation for crop/plant growth)
Applying all pest and disease control measures according to relevant legislation and following training
Keeping accurate records of vineyard activities, vine health, and grape yield
Reporting all relevant checks and data to managers or supervisors, including the use of specific industry software for data exchange and analysis
Engaging with the public and clients during open vineyard events and as part of a retail sector of the business
Carrying out all activities on site to support local biodiversity and to the benefit of the natural environment
Carrying out frost monitoring and protection activities
Working with sustainable practices as directed by the vineyard manager

To work as a vineyard operative, you should be:

Interested in the viticulture industry
Able to spot and report problems
A good team player and/or able to work under your own initiative
Able to manage more than one task when working to deadlines
Highly motivated to complete tasks necessary for the business' success
Able to communicate and listen well to others
Reliable with a positive attitude to work

As a vineyard operative, you'll need a keen interest in the industry and evidence that you have considered your suitability for carrying out the types of responsibilities discussed in this profile.

You may have some industry experience, perhaps from volunteering/working as a picker at a local vineyard or as part of an educational qualification, but this isn’t essential.

Employers may appoint a candidate based on experience alone. However, a relevant qualification in horticulture/viticulture/agriculture is also beneficial and may increase your options.

The role would suit someone who likes working outside with nature and has a passion for developing their knowledge of viticulture. They would also have the drive to look for and implement new ideas and innovations to improve vine productivity and production margins.

As a vineyard (viticulture) operative, you’ll have the following competencies.

You will:

Carry out all vineyard maintenance activities on vines, under vines, and between rows (interrow)
Understand the effects of seasonal variation and soil type on growth and maintenance requirements of vines
Identify diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies that may affect vine growth and respond to them appropriately
Operate appropriate machinery, such as tractors, for a range of cultivations (preparation for crop/plant growth)
Keep accurate records of vineyard activities, vine health, and grape yield
Report all relevant checks and data to managers or supervisors, including the use of specific industry software for data exchange and analysis
Engage with the public and clients during open vineyard events and as part of a retail sector of the business
Carry out frost monitoring and protection activities
Work with sustainable practices as directed by the vineyard manager

As a guide, a vineyard (viticulture) operator earns £22,000 to £29,000.

This figure can be higher depending on factors such as location, nature of business and level of experience.

As a vineyard (viticulture) operative you could progress your career if you choose to do so.

For example, you could further develop your knowledge and skills through training courses or study. You could gain experience working in a different area of the country or with different grape varieties.

Further experience and training in successful vine growth, winemaking and business development could lead to a role as a vineyard manager, winemaker or industry consultant.