Horticulturalist - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid & retirement contributions

Growth opportunities & conferences

Estate environment in Cape Town region

Access to vineyard technology

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, seeks a highly specialized Horticulturalist with a focus on Viticulture to oversee all vineyard operations from soil prep to harvest. The role emphasizes premium grape production, canopy management, irrigation, and pest control within a renowned wine estate.

The ideal candidate has a strong scientific background, 5+ years in viticulture, leadership skills, and a passion for terroir and quality wine production in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree required in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of viticulture experience with premium grape production.
• Proven vineyard management techniques incl. canopy, irrigation, pest control.
• Strong data collection/analysis for vineyard performance.
• Experience with sustainable/organic farming practices.
• Leadership and ability to manage teams.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Manage all vineyard operations including pruning, trellising, and canopy management.
• Develop and implement sustainable vineyard practices including irrigation and pest control.
• Conduct soil and tissue analyses to monitor vine health and nutrition.
• Select and plant grape varietals suitable for estate microclimate.
• Oversee harvest, coordinate teams, ensure optimal ripeness and quality.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to meet grape specifications.
• Maintain detailed vineyard activity, yield, and environmental records.
• Implement water management strategies for efficient irrigation.
• Manage vineyard budgets and ensure cost-effective operations.
• Stay updated on viticultural research and technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Vineyard operations

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Plant Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious vineyard and wine estate situated in the scenic Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking a highly specialized Horticulturalist with a focus on Viticulture. This role is central to maintaining and enhancing the quality of grapes produced for premium wines. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of vineyard management, from soil preparation and planting to canopy management and harvest, ensuring the highest standards are met. This is an exceptional opportunity to apply your expertise in a renowned wine-producing region, contributing to the creation of world‑class wines. The position demands a blend of scientific knowledge, practical experience, and a passion for the nuances of grape cultivation within the unique terroir of the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing all vineyard operations, including pruning, trellising, and canopy management to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Developing and implementing sustainable vineyard management practices, including irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
• Conducting regular soil and plant tissue analysis to monitor vine health and nutrient status.
• Selecting and planting new grape varietals, ensuring suitability for the specific microclimate of the estate in Cape Town, Western Cape.
• Overseeing the harvest process, coordinating teams, and ensuring optimal ripeness and quality.
• Working closely with the winemaking team to ensure grapes meet the required specifications.
• Maintaining detailed records of vineyard activities, yields, and environmental conditions.
• Implementing water management strategies to ensure efficient irrigation.
• Managing vineyard budgets and ensuring cost‑effective operations.
• Staying updated on the latest viticultural research and technologies.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in viticulture, with a strong emphasis on premium grape production.
• Proven expertise in vineyard management techniques, including canopy management, irrigation, and pest control.
• Detailed understanding of grape varietal characteristics and their response to different soil types and climates in the Western Cape.
• Experience with data collection and analysis for vineyard performance monitoring.
• Familiarity with sustainable and organic farming practices.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and reporting abilities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, especially during peak seasons like pruning and harvest.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by performance‑based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions are provided.
• You will have ample opportunities for professional growth, including attendance at international wine and viticulture conferences.
• The estate provides a unique working environment, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Cape Town region.
• This role offers the chance to be part of a legacy of excellence in winemaking, with access to state‑of‑the‑art vineyard technology and a team of dedicated professionals.