Horticulturist - Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 560,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary tied to grape yield

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Professional development

Vineyard technology access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Horticulturist with a Viticulture focus to join a renowned vineyard in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role covers soil prep, planting, pruning, pest control, and harvest, collaborating with the winemaking team to meet premium wine standards.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture or Viticulture and at least 4 years of vineyard management experience, with IPM and irrigation expertise. A hybrid work setup is offered in a beautiful wine region.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agronomy, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of 4 years' experience in viticulture and vineyard management.
• Strong knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, IPM, and irrigation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage vineyard operations: planning, planting, pruning, canopy management, trellising.
• Monitor grapevine health, identify diseases and pests, apply IPM controls.
• Conduct soil analysis and implement fertilization and irrigation programs.
• Oversee harvest and ensure grape quality and timely winery delivery.
• Research new viticultural techniques to improve quality and sustainability.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to align production with style objectives.
• Maintain vineyard records including mapping and resource usage.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations in Western Cape.

Skills

Viticulture

Grape physiology

IPM

Irrigation techniques

Teamwork

Fieldwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agronomy, or related field

Tools

Vineyard equipment operation

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned vineyard and winery, is seeking a skilled and passionate Horticulturist with a specialization in Viticulture to join their esteemed team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is central to maintaining and enhancing the quality of their grapevines, ensuring optimal health, growth, and yield. The Horticulturist will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of vineyard management, from soil preparation and planting to pruning, pest control, and harvesting. This position requires a deep understanding of grapevine physiology, soil science, and sustainable viticultural practices. You will work closely with the winemaking team to ensure the grapes meet the specific requirements for premium wine production. The role offers a unique blend of scientific knowledge and practical application in one of South Africa's premier wine-growing regions, focusing on innovative techniques to produce exceptional fruit. This is an opportunity to contribute directly to the creation of award-winning wines.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage vineyard operations, including planning, planting, pruning, canopy management, and trellising.
• Monitor grapevine health, identify diseases and pests, and implement appropriate control measures using integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Conduct soil analysis and implement fertilization and irrigation programs to optimize vine nutrition and water use.
• Oversee the harvesting process, ensuring optimal grape quality and timely delivery to the winery.
• Research and implement new viticultural techniques and technologies to improve grape quality and vineyard sustainability.
• Work collaboratively with the winemaking team to align grape production with wine style objectives.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, including vineyard mapping, block performance, and resource usage.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations and environmental standards in the Western Cape .

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Viticulture, Agronomy, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in viticulture and vineyard management.
• Strong knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, pest and disease management, and irrigation techniques.
• Experience with IPM strategies and sustainable farming practices.
• Familiarity with vineyard equipment and machinery operation.
• Excellent observational skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to manage seasonal labor.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable working in outdoor vineyard environments near Mossel Bay .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary with performance-based bonuses tied to grape quality and yield.
• Employees receive comprehensive health insurance, a retirement fund, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending industry conferences and workshops, are provided.
• You will have access to state-of-the‑art vineyard technology and the chance to work within a team dedicated to producing world‑class wines in the beautiful Mossel Bay region.
• This hybrid role offers flexibility while ensuring close involvement with the vineyards.