Farm Manager - Viticulture and Cellar Operations

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Accommodation

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Farm Manager for a distinguished wine estate in Paarl, Western Cape. You will oversee both extensive vineyards and the state-of-the-art cellar, driving grape quality, winemaking processes, and operational excellence.

You will lead vineyard and cellar teams, manage budgets, ensure stringent quality controls, and collaborate with marketing on wine styles and production volumes. A proven leadership track record in viticulture and enology is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture, or related field.
• Advanced winemaking certifications desirable.
• 8+ years experience in vineyard and cellar operations.
• In-depth knowledge of Paarl region grape varietals and modern winemaking.
• Strong leadership and financial acumen.
• Proficiency with vineyard and cellar management software.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans for vineyard management to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Oversee viticultural practices including pruning, canopy management, pests, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Manage the winemaking process from grape reception to bottling.
• Ensure adherence to quality control across vineyard and cellar operations.
• Manage cellar staff, providing training, supervision and safety oversight.
• Oversee vineyard staff to ensure efficient execution of farming tasks.
• Manage cellar equipment maintenance and hygiene protocols.
• Develop and manage budgets for vineyard and cellar operations.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, grape analysis, fermentation data, and wine stock.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams regarding wine styles, production volumes, and quality expectations.

Skills

Viticulture

Oenology

Leadership

Team management

Budget management

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Degree in Viticulture

Degree in Enology

Agriculture degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished wine estate in Paarl, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced and visionary Farm Manager to oversee both its extensive vineyards and its state-of-the-art cellar operations. This dual-responsibility role requires a leader with a comprehensive understanding of viticulture, grape quality management, and the intricacies of winemaking. The Farm Manager will be responsible for ensuring the highest quality grape production, managing all vineyard activities, and overseeing the winemaking process from grape reception to finished product. The ideal candidate possesses a unique blend of agricultural expertise and enological knowledge, coupled with strong leadership and operational management skills. This is a critical on-site position demanding a proactive approach to ensure the estate produces exceptional wines year after year.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for vineyard management to optimize grape quality and yield, considering varietal characteristics and market trends.
• Oversee all viticultural practices, including pruning, canopy management, pest and disease control, irrigation, and harvesting.
• Manage the entire winemaking process, from grape reception, fermentation, aging, blending, to bottling.
• Ensure adherence to stringent quality control measures throughout the vineyard and cellar operations.
• Manage cellar staff, providing training, supervision, and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Oversee vineyard staff, ensuring efficient execution of all farming tasks.
• Manage cellar equipment, maintenance, and hygiene protocols.
• Develop and manage operational budgets for both vineyard and cellar, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, grape analysis, fermentation data, and wine stock.
• Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams regarding wine styles, production volumes, and quality expectations.

Requirements

• A degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Advanced degrees or certifications in winemaking are highly desirable.
• A minimum of 8 years of combined experience in vineyard management and cellar operations, with a proven track record of producing high-quality wines.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietals suited to the Paarl region and the principles of modern winemaking.
• Strong understanding of cellar hygiene, fermentation processes, and wine aging techniques.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard and cellar management software.
• Familiarity with South African wine industry regulations.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, potential for performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid, a provident fund, and accommodation.