Group Viticulturist

Dante Personnel; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Dante Personnel is assisting a senior winegrape procurement leader to manage grape supply contracts and procurement strategy across multiple production facilities. The role emphasizes field-based engagement with grape producers, critical negotiation with suppliers, and alignment with ESG goals.

The successful candidate will oversee harvest scheduling, grape intake planning, and ongoing viticultural guidance to ensure quality and affordability throughout the season.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s level in viticulture or related field is required.
• Extensive senior-level experience in winegrape production and procurement.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building with growers and producers.
• Regular field presence with producers throughout the season.
• Experience contracting grape and bulk wine supply agreements annually.

Responsibilities

• Contract new and existing grape and bulk wine supply agreements each year.
• Negotiate annual grape pricing with producers within budget and strategy.
• Lead third‑party bulk wine sourcing per group strategy.
• Provide viticultural guidance and technical support to producers.
• Coordinate harvest scheduling and grape intake planning across facilities.
• Monitor ripeness and support quality control decisions during harvest.
• Maintain accurate production and traceability records and support ESG goals.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Commercial acumen

Relationship-building

Field-based approach

Harvest planning coordination

Education

B.Sc Agric in Viticulture and Winemaking

Tools

IPW compliance

WIETA

BSCI

Job description

Minimum requirements:

• Grade 12 plus a B.Sc Agric in Viticulture and Winemaking
• At least 10 years' experience in a senior winegrape production role
• 5-7 years' experience working directly with grape producers and contracting winegrapes
• Local and international exposure to winegrape production trends and practices
• Strong negotiation skills and commercial acumen, balanced with genuine relationship-building ability
• A hands-on, field-based approach - comfortable spending regular time with producers throughout the season
• Contract new and existing grape and bulk wine supply agreements each year, aligned with group vineyard and costing strategy and based on availability of bulk wine within in the group
• Negotiate annual grape pricing with producers, in conjunction with the head of grape procurement, within budget and strategy
• Lead third-party bulk wine sourcing in line with company sourcing strategy
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with growers, providing regular feedback on grape performance
• Provide ongoing viticultural guidance and technical support to producers throughout the growing season
• Coordinate harvest scheduling and grape intake planning across
  production facilities for accurate, reliable forecasting
• Monitor and sample ripeness levels during harvest to support quality control and timely decision-making
• Maintain accurate records of production, costs, producer information, and traceability data
• Support certification and compliance with external sustainability standards
  (e.g. IPW, WIETA, BSCI) in line with ASA's ESG goals
• Participate actively in the CAV forum, sharing insights and best practice across the viticulture team