Job Description
Job Description:
Location: Sandy Hook, Connecticut
About Aquila’s Nest Vineyards
Aquila’s Nest Vineyards is a 41-acre, Climate Label certified winery estate recognized as Connecticut’s Best Vineyard (2025, Connecticut Magazine), National Small Producer of the Year (2025, Libation Magazine), Connecticut Manufacturer of the Year (2024, US Small Business Administration), Top 70 Small Businesses in America (2023, US Chamber of Commerce). With 12 acres of planted vineyards, Aquila’s Nest blends Mediterranean storytelling, sustainability, and agritourism experiences into one of New England’s most innovative wineries.
We are seeking a passionate and detail-driven Winemaker & Hands-On Vineyard Manager to oversee both grape growing and winemaking operations, ensuring the continued excellence and growth of our wines.
Responsibilities
Vineyard Management (12 acres, 9 varieties)
• Oversee all vineyard operations: pruning, canopy management, irrigation, pest/disease control, nutrient management, and harvest planning.
• Develop and implement seasonal vineyard schedules and sustainability practices.
• Supervise and train seasonal vineyard staff; ensure safety, efficiency, and quality standards.
• Maintain and manage vineyard equipment and petite supplies.
• Monitor vine health and grape quality with timely reporting to ownership.
• Collaborate with ownership on vineyard expansion and new plantings.
Winemaking
• Lead all winemaking processes: crush, fermentation, racking, blending, aging, bottling.
• Maintain inventory of wines, wine supplies, and cellar equipment.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal wine production regulations and reporting requirements.
• Keep detailed production records, lab results, and inventory logs.
• Be innovative in creating blends, new styles, and limited releases that align with Aquila’s Nest’s brand vision.
• Oversee cellar hygiene, sanitation, and equipment maintenance.
Leadership & Collaboration
• Manage seasonal staff help during peak vineyard and cellar periods.
• Partner with owners on long-term vineyard and winery strategy.
• Represent Aquila’s Nest at tastings, events, and industry forums when needed.
• Contribute ideas for sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
Qualifications
• Previous winemaking experience with certification in Enology, Viticulture, or a related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ hands-on experience in vineyard and winery operations.
• Strong knowledge of Northeast viticulture and cool-climate winemaking.
• Skilled in vineyard and cellar equipment operation and maintenance.
• Excellent organizational skills for managing wine and supply inventories.
• Ability to supervise and motivate seasonal staff.
• Creative mindset with an eagerness to innovate and experiment.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in varying weather and lift up to 50 lbs.
Benefits & Compensation
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Healthcare, retirement benefits, and paid sick time off.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A chance to shape the future of one of Connecticut’s fastest-growing wineries.
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Job Tags
Full time,