General Manager & Winemaker
The Vineyards at Dodon seeks a forward-thinking, inspirational General Manager and an experienced Winemaker to guide the farm toward a just, ecological future.
Dodon is a diversified operation that includes wine grape and wine production, silvopastured lamb, and agrotourism. The company plans to diversify its product mix and landscape by adding small-scale vegetable production, pork and poultry, and value-added products from its orchard and food forest. The vineyard is globally recognized as a leader in regenerative viticulture, and its affiliated nonprofit, the Dodon Center for Ecological Farming, conducts educational programs and policy-oriented projects at the intersection of agriculture, human health, the environment, and social justice.
Position Overview
The General Manager & Winemaker serves as the senior leader, overseeing all aspects of the farm and winery, including agricultural operations, wine production, hospitality, sales support, brand development, and business performance. This hands-on leadership role ensures exceptional wines and other agricultural products while driving profitability, operational excellence, ecosystem restoration, and outstanding customer experiences.
The ideal candidate combines deep business insight with extensive winemaking expertise, a commitment to building a sustainable and respected brand, and a passion for environmental stewardship and ecosystem restoration. The position reports directly to the owners.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
•  Develop and execute the winery's strategic vision and annual business plan.
•  Establish operational, financial, production, and sales goals.
•  Monitor operational performance against key metrics and budgets.
•  Provide leadership and direction across all business functions.
•  Collaborate with ownership on long-term growth initiatives and capital investments.
Winemaking & Production
•  Lead all winemaking activities from vineyard through bottling.
•  Work with the Executive Winemaker and the Consulting Winemaker to develop wine styles and blending strategies consistent with the winery's brand.
•  Oversee harvest planning, grape intake, crushing, fermentation, aging, and bottling operations.
•  Ensure all wine production meets quality standards and regulatory requirements.
•  Carry out non-wine alcoholic beverage production, including cider and brandy.
•  Work with the Farm Manager to oversee production of non-beverage agricultural products, including meat, teas, jams, cordials, and other non-timber forest products.
•  Administer laboratory testing, inventory management, and production records.
Financial Management
•  Direct the operations manager to ensure financials are complete and up-to-date.
•  Prepare and manage annual operating budgets.
•  Monitor profitability, cash flow, production costs, and inventory management.
Regulatory Compliance Management
•  Oversee the Operations Manager to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, including reporting requirements.
•  Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of production, inventory, and sales.
•  Ensure all licenses are current and renewals are submitted on time.
Sales, Marketing, Hospitality & Brand Development
•  Supervise and support the Sales Director on direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and distribution growth strategies.
•  Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications Manager on brand positioning and promotional campaigns.
•  Represent the winery at industry events, trade shows, wine dinners, and media engagements.
•  Oversee the Wine Club and Sales Managers to ensure exceptional guest experiences throughout winery and tasting room operations.
Team Leadership
•  Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate personnel.
•  Oversee H-2A recruiting
•  Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative work culture.
•  Lead performance management and professional development efforts.
•  Promote safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Education
•  Bachelor's degree in Enology, Viticulture, Fermentation Science, Agriculture, Business Administration, or related field.
•  Master's degree in Enology, Viticulture, or Business Administration preferred.
Experience
•  8+ years of progressive winery management experience.
•  5+ years of commercial winemaking leadership experience.
•  Proven success managing vineyard, winery operations, marketing, and sales, budgets, and teams.
•  Knowledge of winery compliance and regulatory requirements.
Technical Knowledge
•  Enology and fermentation management.
•  Vineyard management principles.
•  Wine chemistry and sensory evaluation.
•  Production planning and inventory management.
•  Financial management and budgeting.
•  Sales and hospitality operations.
Skills & Competencies
•  Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
•  Strategic and analytical thinking.
•  Excellent organizational and project management skills.
•  Strong communication and public speaking skills.
•  Financial and operational acumen.
•  Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
•  Passion for wine quality and customer experience.
•  Fluency in English and Spanish
Physical Requirements
•  Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
•  Ability to stand, walk, and work extended hours during harvest.
•  Ability to work in varying weather and winery production environments.

Please email your resume and a cover Letter outlining relevant experience and interest in the position to: tom@dodonvineyards.com

Subject Line: General Manager and Winemaker Application – [Your Name]

In your cover letter, please include:
1. Relevant agriculture, horticulture, vegetable, orchard, or landscape experience.
2. Experience operating tractors, machinery, irrigation systems, and farm equipment.
3. An example of a project, farm, garden, orchard, or property you have managed or helped develop.
4. Why this position interests you