Todd Chapman
Prosser
Summary
Vineyard manager specializing in sustainable, high quality practices and team leadership. Achieved significant improvements in grape quality and cropping targets through effective canopy management and accurate crop estimation. Proven ability to enhance operational efficiency and drive results in vineyard management.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Vineyard Manager
Andrews Family Vineyards
Prosser
01.2018 - 03.2026
- Oversaw vineyard operations, guaranteeing optimal grape quality and achievement of cropping targets.
- Oversaw planting, pruning, canopy management and harvesting activities for grapevines.
- Coordinated irrigation scheduling through the use of soil moisture probes, shoot elongation measurements and visual inspection
- Supervised staff (hand labor and tractor operations) while training team members on vineyard best practices.
- Implemented pest management strategies to protect vines from disease and pests.
- Collaborated with winemaking team to align grape quality with production needs.
- Attended industry conferences and seminars in order to stay abreast of advances in viticulture technology.
- Implemented sustainable practices such as cover cropping and integrated pest management strategies in order to reduce chemical inputs in the vineyard environment.
- Inspected vines regularly to identify potential pest infestations or disease issues, then implemented corrective measures as needed.
- Developed annual budgets for vineyard activities and tracked expenses to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Formed and sustained strategic relationships with clients.
Viticulturist
Ste Michelle Wine Estates
Prosser
03.2012 - 12.2017
- Managed vineyard operations to optimize grape quality and yield.
- Conducted soil analysis to determine nutrient needs and improvements.
- Implemented pest management strategies to protect vine health.
- Collaborated with winemakers to select grape varieties for distinct wine styles, aligning vineyard practices with production goals.
- Developed pruning schedules to enhance vine growth and productivity.
- Trained staff on vineyard maintenance and sustainable practices.
- Monitored weather conditions to inform irrigation and harvest decisions.
- Utilized precision agriculture tools for data-driven vineyard management.
- Maintained accurate inventory records of supplies for vineyard operations to ensure resource availability.
- Performed vineyard management activities such as pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest control.
- Applied fungicides, herbicides and insecticides according to established protocols.
- Implemented sustainable farming techniques such as cover cropping or composting to reduce environmental impact.
- Provided technical advice on viticulture practices such as trellising systems, rootstocks selection and irrigation methods.
- Created detailed operational records of vineyard activities, tracking crop yields, labor costs, and chemical applications for analysis.
- Organized training sessions with workers to reinforce safety protocols related to pesticide handling.
- Evaluated existing vineyards for potential improvement opportunities in terms of production efficiency or profitability.
- Inspected plants regularly for signs of disease or pests and took corrective action.
- Attended industry conferences and seminars to stay abreast of new developments in viticulture practices.
- Supervised seasonal laborers throughout the growing season ensuring tasks were completed correctly.
- Developed fertilization plans based on soil test results to improve plant growth and yield quality.
- Conducted soil analysis to determine nutrient levels and fertilizer requirements.
- Educated farmers and landowners on techniques to maximize plant growth and land use while preventing issues such as erosion.
Vineyard Manager/Cellar Master
Alexandria Nicole Cellars
Prosser
02.2009 - 02.2012
- Managed vineyard operations, enhancing grape quality and maximizing yield.
- Oversaw team training on sustainable vineyard practices and safety protocols.
- Implemented pest management strategies to protect crops from infestations.
- Coordinated irrigation schedules, promoting effective soil moisture management and plant health.
- Monitored weather conditions to adjust vineyard management strategies accordingly.
- Collaborated with winemakers to align grape varieties with production goals.
- Conducted regular inspections of vineyard equipment for maintenance and safety compliance.
- Assisted with cellar operations including pressing, racking, blending, filtration and bottling processes.
- Monitored soil fertility, irrigation systems and crop health to ensure optimal growth conditions for grapes.
- Managed inventory of barrels used for aging wines, ensuring that they are properly maintained according to established standards.
- Collaborated with winemakers to optimize harvest timing based on berry ripeness and factors impacting wine quality.
- Conducted tours of the estate's vineyards for members of the public interested in learning more about winemaking processes.
- Created documents outlining safety protocols for employees working in the vineyards during periods of extreme heat or cold weather.
- Implemented sustainable practices such as cover cropping and integrated pest management strategies in order to reduce chemical inputs in the vineyard environment.
- Supervised and trained seasonal vineyard workers on proper grape-harvesting techniques.
- Attended industry conferences and seminars in order to stay abreast of advances in viticulture technology.
- Performed routine pruning, thinning and suckering tasks to promote healthy grapevine growth.
- Maintained detailed records of all viticultural activities including planting dates, fertilization schedules, trellis designs.
- Developed annual budgets for vineyard activities and tracked expenses to maintain fiscal responsibility.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Completed thorough opening, closing, and shift change functions to maintain operational standards each day.
- Monitored progress by establishing plans, budgets and measuring results.
- Supervised fermentation processes to ensure product quality and consistency.
- Managed inventory levels for raw materials and finished wines.
- Trained staff on safety protocols and best practices in the cellar.
- Implemented sanitation procedures to maintain a clean working environment.
- Coordinated bottling operations to meet production schedules efficiently.
- Monitored aging processes to ensure optimal flavor development in wines.
- Maintained wine cellar organization and cleanliness.
- Ensured that all wines were stored at optimal temperatures and humidity levels to preserve quality.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Viticulture & Enology
Yakima Valley Community College
Grandview, WA03-2026
Skills
- Viticulture practices
- Soil analysis
- Irrigation planning
- Pest management
- Crop estimation
- Canopy management
- Grafting techniques
- Sustainable practices (Sustainable Wa Technical Committee)
- Team leadership
- Staff management
- Customer relations
Certification
Pesticide License and Commercial Consulting License
Timeline
Vineyard Manager
Andrews Family Vineyards
01.2018 - 03.2026
Viticulturist
Ste Michelle Wine Estates
03.2012 - 12.2017
Vineyard Manager/Cellar Master
Alexandria Nicole Cellars
02.2009 - 02.2012
Associate of Applied Science - Viticulture & Enology
Yakima Valley Community College