Estate Manager

Job Description:

Estate Manager
Abacela Vineyards and Winery is seeking an Estate Manager to lead its exceptional team. A multigenerational, family-owned estate, Abacela is recognized as an icon of innovation for successfully planting and producing world-class Tempranillo and Albariño in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley since 1995.

We are looking for an experienced leader who shares Abacela’s values of authenticity, reliability, integrity, quality, service, and passion. The ideal candidate brings an entrepreneurial spirit, strong motivation, and the ability to guide a professional, results-driven team in a collaborative environment. This individual’s leadership will help continue Abacela’s success and strengthen its position as the most trusted choice in Oregon wine.

Successful candidates will bring:
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of grape growing and winemaking.
• Strategic thinking for both short- and long-term initiatives, paired with creative problem-solving to advance company goals.
• A commitment to excellence and strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivation and a drive to grow the Abacela brand.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple tasks, and deliver results on time.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, sound judgment, and negotiation skills that support effective business decision-making.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Estate Manager reports directly to the CEO.
Reporting to the Estate Manager are the Vineyard Manager, Winemaker, Operations Manager, Tasting Room Manager, Wine Club & Direct-to-Consumer Manager, National Sales Manager, and Accounting Lead.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Estate Manager will be responsible for:
• Leading vineyard management, vineyard development, and production.
• Overseeing the Winemaker and winemaking team.
• Managing operations, wine club, and direct-to-consumer programs.
• Guiding all sales channels, including national and regional sales leadership.
• Overseeing administration, human resources, and the business office.
• Directing marketing and social media initiatives.
• Collaborating with the CEO to strengthen and innovate the Abacela brand.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or other master’s degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of experience in three-tier winery sales and marketing.
• Five or more years in a vineyard and/or winery management role, with demonstrated ability to lead effectively, innovatively, and enthusiastically.
• Passion for wine and in-depth knowledge of wine production, including Oregon wines.
• Proven success in employee management, sales management, expense management, inventory management, reporting, and forecasting.
• Significant strategic planning experience, with the ability to develop long-term plans, gain support for a shared vision, and guide implementation.
• Strong management, problem-solving, organizational, multitasking, and detail-oriented skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions and take decisive action.
• Strong character, with a reputation for integrity and respect for confidentiality.
• Understanding of family-run businesses.
• Ability to give and receive directions while working effectively as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, including active listening, concise communication, and comfort with open, direct conversations.
• Polished public speaking and presentation skills suitable for boardroom and executive settings.
• Strong human resources experience, including compensation, benefits, recruitment, hiring, coaching, discipline, and termination.
• Ability to lead, manage relationships, and collaborate with key stakeholders across the Pacific Northwest and national wine community, including winery customers, industry partners, trade representatives, and media.
• History of responsible alcohol use and appropriate professional conduct, with the ability to obtain required state and/or local licenses, permits, and certifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with wine-related POS systems, such as WineDirect or Commerce7, and vineyard or winery management systems, such as Innovint or Vintrace.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel by car and plane; climb stairs; sit and operate a computer; and lift and carry 40+ lbs.
• Fluency in English required; Spanish language skills a plus.
• Ability to perform other duties as assigned.

RECOMMENDED SKILLS
• Understanding of luxury retail environments and high-touch guest experiences.
• Ability to think analytically and strategically while translating ideas into effective execution.
• Experience with P&L responsibility and a strong understanding of winery finance and operations.
• Entrepreneurial management style supported by experience in a structured business environment.
• Adaptability and openness to change.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate effectively across departments.
• Creative problem-solving, keen attention to detail, and strong time and project management skills.
• Passion for wine and an understanding of the unique dynamics of the wine business.
• Alignment with Abacela’s values of authenticity, reliability, integrity, quality, service, and passion.

BENEFITS
Medical and Dental Benefits
401(k) plan with Employer Match
Wine Allocation

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