The Opportunity
The Vineyard Manager leads the day-to-day operation of the 105-acre Estate vineyards in cool-climate Lake Country with GI sites planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Gamay, and Merlot. The role reports to the Head Viticulturist, executes the seasonal viticulture program, supervises the vineyard crew (including the SAWP team), and works closely with the winemaking team to deliver fruit that reflects OFV's organic-method, block-by-block farming philosophy and sustainability standards.
This is a hands-on leadership role. The right person is in the rows daily, knows every block, and runs the program through clear direction to the crew, accurate records, and tight communication with viticulture and winemaking leadership.
About O'Rourke Family Vineyards
O'Rourke Family Vineyards is a family-owned wine and hospitality group rooted in the Okanagan, bringing together premium vineyards, thoughtful wine production, and elevated guest experiences. With two distinct destination properties, the company spans both approachable and luxury expressions of wine tourism.
Peak Cellars is a welcoming winery focused on expressive wines and warm hospitality, complemented by the Garden Bistro, where seasonal cuisine and vineyard surroundings create an inviting setting for guests. O'Rourke Family Estate represents the group's flagship vision, combining ambitious architecture, estate-driven winemaking, and refined dining experiences that showcase the estate's culinary and wine programs.
Across the portfolio, O'Rourke Family Vineyards is deeply involved in every stage of the process — from vineyard stewardship and farming decisions through to winemaking, blending, and bottling. The company also produces a diverse calendar of events and experiences that bring together wine, food, and community, supported by close collaboration across hospitality, culinary, production, and events teams.
What You'll Do
Vineyard operations
- Manage 105 acres of cool-climate plantings across multiple blocks, varietals, and aspects.
- Execute and oversee seasonal vineyard activities — pruning, shoot thinning, canopy management (VSP), leaf removal, cluster thinning, fruit selection, and harvest.
- Schedule and coordinate vineyard tasks in alignment with the seasonal plan set by the Head Viticulturist.
- Operate and troubleshoot the drip irrigation system (overhauled in 2024) with block-specific scheduling informed by soil moisture sensors and vegetation indicators.
- Implement fertilizer, soil amendment, compost, and cover crop programs aligned with OFV's organic-method approach.
Vine health, pest and disease management
- Monitor vine health and phenology throughout the growing season, block by block.
- Conduct regular vineyard scouting for pests and diseases; report findings and act on them promptly.
- Execute the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and spray program with accurate record-keeping.
- Identify and report vine stress, nutrient deficiencies, and weather-related risks.
Crew leadership and SAWP
- Lead, train, and supervise the vineyard crew — SAWP workers and returning seasonal local staff — so that work is completed safely, efficiently, and to OFV's quality standard.
- Manage the SAWP crew in compliance with Employment and Social Development Canada, IRCC, and provincial program requirements.
- Assign daily tasks, monitor productivity, and provide hands-on coaching and feedback.
- Support onboarding and training of seasonal and returning vineyard staff.
- Ensure crew payroll (SAWP and local) is submitted accurately and on the payroll schedule.
Equipment, compliance and safety
- Safely operate and oversee the use of vineyard equipment, including tractors, ATVs, sprayers, and hand tools.
- Maintain and organize vineyard equipment and infrastructure; coordinate repairs with the maintenance team.
- Enforce WorkSafeBC standards and OFV's vineyard safety protocols across the crew.
- Maintain compliance with applicable provincial and federal agricultural regulations, including pesticide handling, applicator licensing, and spray application records.
Data collection and reporting
- Collect and verify vineyard data — yield estimates, crop load assessments, berry sampling, and maturity data.
- Maintain accurate records for spray applications, irrigation, labour hours, and vineyard performance; submit to the Head Viticulturist in a timely manner.
- Support internal reporting, SWBC Sustainable Vineyard and Winery Standards initiatives, and regulatory compliance
What You Bring
- Previous vineyard or agricultural experience preferred but not required
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work for extended periods
- Comfortable working in varying weather conditions
- Ability to follow direction and work as part of a team
- Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn equipment operation
- Valid driver’s license is an asset
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and walk for extended periods
- Comfortable working on uneven terrain and slopes
Additional Benefits
- Employee Estate Wine & Hospitality Discounts
How to Apply
We'd love to hear from you. Please send your resume to [email protected]
O'Rourke Family Vineyards adheres to employment equity and equal opportunity programs and encourages all candidates to apply. We would like to thank all applicants for submitting their resume; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $60,000.00-$75,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
