Farm Manager - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary incentives

Health & retirement benefits

Accommodation

Wine industry events

Sustainable practices

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Farm Manager with viticulture expertise to lead our client's vineyards in the Western Cape. You will oversee planting, cultivation, irrigation, pruning, and harvests, ensuring premium grape quality for winemaking and sustainable practices.

The role requires at least 8 years in vineyard management, strong knowledge of soil, climactic impacts, and excellent leadership to manage a field team, budget, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in viticulture, horticulture, agricultural science or related field.
• 8+ years hands-on vineyard management experience, with focus on cool-climate or varietal expertise.
• Deep knowledge of grape physiology, soil health, pest and disease management.
• Experience with irrigation systems, vineyard machinery, and wine grape quality assessment.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day vineyard operations: pruning, trellising, irrigation, pest control.
• Develop and execute annual vineyard plans for yield and grape quality.
• Lead and supervise vineyard workers; provide training and performance feedback.
• Implement sustainable farming practices and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to meet grape quality requirements for various wine styles.

Skills

Viticulture expertise

Leadership

Irrigation management

Pest management

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agricultural Science

Tools

Irrigation systems knowledge

Vineyard machinery operation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned vineyard operation in the picturesque Cape Town region, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Farm Manager with a specialization in viticulture. This critical position involves overseeing all aspects of vineyard management, from planting and cultivation to harvesting, with a focus on producing premium grapes for wine production. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of grape varietals, soil conditions, climate impacts, and sustainable viticultural practices to ensure the highest quality output, contributing significantly to the winery's esteemed reputation and success in the competitive wine market.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the vineyards, including pruning, trellising, irrigation, and pest control tailored for viticulture.
• Develop and execute annual vineyard management plans, focusing on yield optimization and grape quality for fine wines.
• Oversee a team of vineyard workers, providing training, supervision, and performance management.
• Implement and monitor sustainable farming practices and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets the specific requirements for various wine styles, supporting operations in Western Cape.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in vineyard management, with a strong focus on cool-climate or specific varietal expertise.
• In-depth knowledge of grape physiology, soil health, and vineyard pest and disease management.
• Experience with vineyard irrigation systems, vineyard machinery, and wine grape quality assessment.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and financial management skills for the Cape Town area.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Accommodation options may be available on or near the estate.
• Opportunities to engage with the fine wine industry and attend relevant events.
• A commitment to sustainable practices and the preservation of the unique Western Cape terroir.