Cellar Master

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 750,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wine allowance

Employee discounts

Professional development

International vintages

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a historic wine estate in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a highly skilled Cellar Master to lead winemaking from grape reception to bottling. The role requires hands-on leadership, deep viticulture and winemaking expertise, and a commitment to heritage and terroir.

You will oversee fermentation, maturation, blending, and records, manage the cellar team, ensure quality, safety, and budgeting, and participate in industry events.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in winemaking and cellar management.
• Academic background in Oenology or Viticulture.
• Proven success in producing award-winning wines.
• Knowledge of fermentation techniques and barrel maturation.
• Strong leadership and record-keeping skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all winemaking processes from grape to bottle to meet quality standards.
• Manage grape reception, fermentation, maturation, blending and bottling operations.
• Conduct regular must and wine analysis and make timely decisions.
• Lead, train and mentor the cellar team; ensure precision and excellence.
• Maintain meticulous records of cellar activities, including batch logs and inventory.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and hygiene regulations in the cellar.
• Maintain and calibrate cellar equipment for optimal performance.
• Contribute to vineyard management decisions based on grape quality.
• Develop and manage the cellar budget and controllable costs.
• Stay updated on latest winemaking techniques and technologies and implement when appropriate.
• Represent the estate at wine shows, tastings and industry events.

Skills

Winemaking

Leadership

Quality control

Laboratory analysis

Education

Oenology degree

Viticulture degree

Tools

Winemaking software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a historic and esteemed wine estate in the picturesque region of Paarl, Western Cape , is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Cellar Master. This pivotal role demands a deep understanding of viticulture, winemaking, and cellar management to produce exceptional wines that reflect the estate's heritage and terroir. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the winemaking process, from grape reception through to bottling and maturation. The ideal candidate is a meticulous craftsperson with a proven track record of producing award‑winning wines, combined with strong leadership skills to manage the cellar team. This is a hands‑on position requiring dedicated on‑site presence to ensure the highest quality throughout the winemaking cycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all winemaking processes, ensuring adherence to the highest quality standards from grape to bottle.
• Manage grape reception, fermentation, maturation, blending, and bottling operations.
• Conduct regular analysis of must and wine, making timely and informed decisions.
• Lead, train, and mentor the cellar team, fostering a culture of precision and excellence.
• Maintain meticulous records of all cellar activities, including batch logs, analysis, and inventory.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and hygiene regulations within the cellar.
• Manage cellar equipment, ensuring it is well‑maintained and calibrated for optimal performance.
• Contribute to vineyard management decisions based on grape quality and varietal needs.
• Develop and manage the cellar budget, controlling operational costs effectively.
• Stay abreast of latest winemaking techniques and technologies, and implement where appropriate.
• Represent the estate at wine shows, tastings, and industry events.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in winemaking and cellar management, with a significant focus on producing premium wines.
• A strong academic background in Oenology, Viticulture, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Demonstrated success in producing award‑winning wines.
• In‑depth knowledge of various grape varietals, fermentation techniques, and barrel maturation.
• Excellent understanding of cellar hygiene, sanitation, and quality control protocols.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proficiency in laboratory analysis and cellar management software.
• Ability to work long hours, especially during harvest season, and physically demanding tasks.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Paarl, Western Cape area.
• A passion for wine and a commitment to producing exceptional quality.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Opportunities for further professional development, international vintage work, and participation in global wine competitions are available.
• Enjoy a picturesque working environment steeped in winemaking tradition.
• A generous wine allowance and employee discounts are provided.
• Be an integral part of a legacy wine estate and contribute to its continued success in the global wine market.