Group Viticulturist – External Vineyards

Craven Cottage CC; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC in Stellenbosch seeks a senior grape procurement lead with extensive viticulture and winemaking experience. You will contract grape supply, negotiate pricing with producers, and lead third‑party bulk wine sourcing in line with our sourcing strategy.

The role requires a B.Sc Agric in Viticulture and Winemaking, 10+ years in a senior winegrape production role, and 5–7 years working with grape producers.

Qualifications

• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen are essential.
• Hands-on, field-based approach with producers throughout the season.
• Experience contracting winegrapes and managing grape supply relationships.

Responsibilities

• Contract new and existing grape and bulk wine supply agreements yearly.
• Negotiate annual grape pricing with producers within budget and strategy.
• Lead third-party bulk wine sourcing per sourcing strategy.
• Build strong relationships with growers and provide performance feedback.
• Provide viticultural guidance and technical support to producers.
• Coordinate harvest scheduling and grape intake planning across facilities.
• Monitor ripeness levels during harvest to support decisions.
• Maintain records of production, costs, and traceability data.
• Support ESG and sustainability certifications (IPW, WIETA, BSCI).
• Participate in the CAV forum sharing best practices.

Skills

Negotiation

Relationship building

Viticulture knowledge

Commercial acumen

Education

B.Sc Agric in Viticulture and Winemaking

Job description

Duties

• 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

Requirements

• Grade 12
• B.Sc Agric in Viticulture and Winemaking
• At least 10 years' experience in a senior winegrape production role
• At least 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