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Contract Winery Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Contract Winery information

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$17

$26

$49

How much do contract winery jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract winery in the United States is $26.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a contract winery, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a contract winery often manage multiple clients simultaneously, each with unique wine styles, production requirements, and timelines. This can create challenges in scheduling equipment use, maintaining strict quality control, and ensuring clear communication among client winemakers and in-house production teams. To address these challenges, strong organizational skills, robust record-keeping systems, and frequent collaboration with clients are essential. Proactively coordinating schedules and maintaining open communication channels help minimize conflicts and ensure each client's expectations are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Winery Manager, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Winery Manager, you need expertise in winemaking processes, production management, and a solid understanding of regulatory compliance, typically backed by a degree in enology, viticulture, or a related field. Familiarity with winery management software, quality control systems, and industry certifications such as HACCP or WSET is highly valuable. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and relationship management abilities set outstanding professionals apart. These competencies are crucial to ensure smooth production, maintain product quality, and foster successful partnerships with clients.

What is a contract winery?

A contract winery is a facility where wine is produced on behalf of clients who may not own their own winemaking equipment or space. These clients, often called 'custom crush' clients, provide the grapes or juice, and the contract winery handles the production, bottling, labeling, and sometimes even storage and distribution. This arrangement allows individuals, start-up brands, or vineyards to create their own wines without the significant investment in infrastructure. Contract wineries are especially popular with boutique brands and entrepreneurs looking to enter the wine business more cost-effectively.

What is the difference between Contract Winery vs Winemaker?

AspectContract WineryWinemaker
CredentialsIndustry experience, sometimes certifications in wine productionEnology degree or related certifications
Work EnvironmentProduces wine for multiple brands, often in shared facilitiesHands-on wine production, overseeing fermentation and aging
Employer & Industry UseWine brands, grape growers, and wine production companiesWineries, wine estates, and production facilities
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for production roles, outsourcing, or contract workCompared for expertise in wine creation and quality control

In summary, a Contract Winery primarily provides production services for multiple wine brands without owning vineyards, while a Winemaker is directly involved in the wine creation process, overseeing fermentation, blending, and aging. Both roles are integral to wine production but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What cities are hiring for Contract Winery jobs? Cities with the most Contract Winery job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Winery jobs? The most popular types of Winery jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Winery jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Winery jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Winery job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,445 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Vineyard Estate Manager

Vineyard Estate Manager

The Winery At Bull Run

Centreville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The Winery at Bull Run

Vineyard Estate Manager Job Description Position

Overview The Vineyard Estate Manager is responsible for all aspects of farming operations, including strategic direction as well as day-to-day operations.

The Winery at Bull Run produces 10,000 to 15,000 cases/year of wine. We operate our own vineyards in three different locations in Northern Va. For a total of 55 acres. We also oversee contracted wine grape growers throughout VA. When production dictates.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard functions which include but are not limited to pruning and canopy management, pest management, and harvest coordination.

• Act as operator for mechanized equipment when needed, including applying foliar sprayer.

• Monitor, manage, and continually improve all aspects of estate grape production to maximize quality and efficiency.

• Hire, mentor, discipline and supervise all farm employees.

• Coordinate all farm administrative functions, including management of pest management records, farm payroll, and regulatory compliance.

• Coordinate all farm equipment maintenance, repair, modification, and acquisition.

• Actively work with and advise senior leaders within the company to develop and execute high level plans.

• Act as the liaison between the winery and contracted growers and cultivate grower relationships by visiting all vineyards on a regular basis.

• Help direct harvest logistics in collaboration with winemaking team to increase wine quality and process efficiency.

• Responsible for the care and management of the entire estate including all farm infrastructure.

• Ensure the vineyard properties are always prepared for guests, including special setup for events.

• Conduct a select number of in-depth vineyard tours.

Position Requirements

● Bachelor’s degree in viticulture, horticulture, or related program and/or certificate of completion in a viticulture and/or related program or related experience is preferred.

● Functionally bilingual English/Spanish capability is strongly preferred.

● Minimum three years’ experience in vineyard management and/or grower relations.

● Must have a daily presence in the field and be a hands-on manager.

● Flexible and creative with uncompromising personal ethics.

● Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated results leading staff, servicing vineyard contracts, and participating on leadership teams.

● Capable of working independently, using good judgment, and solving problems creatively. Know when to discuss situations with management team, bringing proposed solutions.

● Strong analytical skillset, with mechanical aptitude, and problem-solving skills.

● Proficient in appropriate technology, including the ability to communicate, coordinate, and store documents electronically.

● Able to walk in steep, inclining vineyard, in diverse types of weather.

● Able to lift and move up to 50 pounds.

● Currently possess or can immediately obtain a Virginia Private Pesticide Applicators License.

● Have a good driving record, a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and the ability to drive to locations around Virginia

● Able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends.

Our compensation is competitive and based on skills and experience. As a full-time employee you will receive the standard Winery at Bull Run benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, IRA program, etc.

Contact: dgruenburg@wineryatbullrun.com wmills@wineryatbullrun.com 540-406-1712