Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Michael Caira

Goffstown,NH

Summary

Dedicated and knowledgeable vigneron and vinter with over 10 years of experience in vineyard management, winemaking and organic farming. Expertise in viticulture and permaculture practices, pest and disease control, soil management, and sustainable farming techniques. Proven ability to produce high-quality grapes, wine, and various other ferments, organic vegetables and fruits, ensuring optimal yield and quality. Strong leadership and team management skills with a constant desire to improve, learn , and maximize quality and efficiency.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience

Work History

Vigneron and Vinter

Cairas Vineyard
04.2015 - Current
  • Oversee daily vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, pest management, and harvesting.
  • Built mounds for grapevines using hugelkultur and permaculture techniques.
  • Worked in all aspects of winemaking, from grape purchasing and harvesting to bottling.
  • Utilized traditional winemaking techniques, using wild fermentation to create a natural unfiltered wine with no additives.
  • Operated and maintained cellar equipment, including crushers, presses, pumps, and testing equipment.
  • Conducted routine cleaning and sanitization of tanks, barrels, and other equipment to maintain a sterile environment and ensure quality and consistency even when doing wild fermentation.
  • Monitored fermentation processes, taking regular measurements of temperature, specific gravity, and acidity.
  • Transferred wine between vessels, including racking and blending operations.
  • Participated in barrel aging, including barrel filling, topping, and monitoring wine quality.
  • Ensured a sanitary and efficient bottling process, maintaining consistently filled, and corked bottles.
  • Maintained detailed records of cellar activities, including fermentation logs, transfer records, and bottling data.
  • Maintain records of vineyard activities, including pesticide applications, harvest data, and equipment maintenance.

Greenhouse Assistant

Manchester Grows Community Greenhouse
05.2019 - 06.2024
  • Conducted soil testing and analysis to determine proper nutrient levels for optimum plant growth.
  • Optimized plant propagation by experimenting with different organic growing mediums and techniques.
  • Monitored environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light to ensure optimal plant growth.
  • Participated in the propagation of plants through seed sowing, repotting, cuttings, and grafting.
  • Created compost teas to organically fertilize the soil and optimize plant health and yield.
  • Conducted regular inspections to identify and address plant health issues.
  • Implemented Integrated Pest Management techniques including spraying compost tea and introducing beneficial insects to combat various pests and diseases.
  • Assisted in the setup and maintenance of irrigation systems.
  • Maintained detailed records of plant care activities, including watering schedules, pesticide applications, and growth progress.
  • Ensured proper labeling of all plants in the greenhouse for easy identification, tracking, and inventory management purposes.
  • Maintained cleanliness of the greenhouse facility by regularly clearing debris and sanitizing workspaces to prevent disease spread.

Orchard Manager

King Street Vineyards
03.2022 - 09.2023
  • Managed the cultivation and maintenance of various fruit trees, including apples, pears,peaches,plums,and cherries, as well as grapes, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.
  • Worked with customers to provide full backyard renovations and services such as: excavating and reshaping the land, terracing, planting, installing and maintaining irrigation systems, trellising, fencing, building patios, and installing fiberglass pools,
  • Developed and implemented orchard management plans with customers and on-site at our nursery, including pruning, thinning, spraying pesticides, fertilizing, harvesting and irrigation schedules.
  • Conducted regular inspections to identify and address pest and disease issues.
  • Supervised and trained vineyard workers, providing knowledge, hands on training and support to ensure high productivity and safety.
  • Assisted customers at the nursery in selecting the most suitable fruit trees, vines, or bushes for their specific needs, offering details about each species and advice on how to plant and care for their chosen plants.
  • Maintained detailed records of orchard activities, including pesticide applications, yield data, inventory and labor hours.
  • Operated various equipment including tractors, excavators, skid steers, dump trucks, lawn mowers, pesticide applicators, leaf-blowers, chainsaws, skill saws and table saws,

Education

- Environmental Biology With Chemistry Minor

Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA
06.2012

High School Diploma -

Watertown High School
Watertown, MA
05.2008

Skills

  • Viticulture and Enology
  • Orchard Management
  • Greenhouse Management
  • Cellar Operations
  • Pest and Disease Control
  • Soil Management
  • Pruning and Canopy Management
  • Sustainable Farming Practices
  • Irrigation Installation and Management
  • Plant Propagation
  • Team Leadership and Training
  • Equipment Operation, Sanitation and Maintenance
  • Record Keeping and Documentation
  • Harvest Coordination
  • Experience in Various Other Fruit Wines, Cidermaking, Beer Brewing, and Other Ferments

References

  • David Quigley- Owner of King Street Vineyards

(603)490-2558

  • John Caira- Owner of Caira's Vineyard

(603)970-1703

  • Peter Nate Maclellan- Greenhouse Manager at Manchester Grows

(603)661-0234



Timeline

Orchard Manager

King Street Vineyards
03.2022 - 09.2023

Greenhouse Assistant

Manchester Grows Community Greenhouse
05.2019 - 06.2024

Vigneron and Vinter

Cairas Vineyard
04.2015 - Current

- Environmental Biology With Chemistry Minor

Fitchburg State University

High School Diploma -

Watertown High School

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