Junior Viticulturist / Winemaker

Exceed HR and Recruitment; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Exceed HR and Recruitment invites applications for aJunior Viticulturist/Winemaker in Stellenbosch, a permanent role focused on grape sourcing, vineyard advice, and winemaking support from harvest to bottling.

You will work with senior winemakers, manage records, ensure compliance, and travel to vineyards and shows as required. A degree in Viticulture/Oenology and hands-on cellar experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 and a BSc Agriculture degree in Viticulture and Oenology (Winemaking) are required.
• 3–5 years’ experience in wine grape production and/or winemaking is required.
• Hands‑on cellar experience, from harvest intake to finished wine, is essential.
• Strong knowledge of viticulture and winemaking processes is required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are a must.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with producers and negotiate effectively.
• Willingness to travel and attend wine tastings and wine shows is expected.
• WineMS experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Source and purchase quality wine grapes for premium wine production.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with grape producers.
• Visit vineyards and advise producers on grape quality and vineyard practices.
• Monitor grape ripeness and determine optimal harvesting dates.
• Plan and coordinate grape intake during harvest.
• Assist with winemaking and cellar operations, from grape intake to finished wine.
• Support wine tasting, evaluation and blending alongside senior winemakers.
• Maintain accurate vineyard, production and cellar records.
• Ensure producer compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Maintain cellar hygiene, safety and industry certification standards.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Organisational skills

Planning abilities

Travel willingness

Education

Grade 12

BSc Agriculture in Viticulture and Oenology

Job description

Junior Viticulturist / Winemaker job vacancy in Stellenbosch.

We are looking for a Junior Viticulturist & Winemakerfor a permanent position based in Stellenbosch.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Source and purchase quality wine grapes for premium wine production.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with grape producers.
• Visit vineyards and advise producers on grape quality and vineyard practices.
• Monitor grape ripeness and determine optimal harvesting dates.
• Plan and coordinate grape intake during harvest.
• Assist with winemaking and cellar operations, from grape intake to finished wine.
• Support wine tasting, evaluation and blending alongside senior winemakers.
• Maintain accurate vineyard, production and cellar records.
• Ensure producer compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Maintain cellar hygiene, safety and industry certification standards.

Requirements:

• Grade 12 and BSc Agriculture degree in Viticulture and Oenology (Winemaking).
• 3–5 years’ experience in wine grape production and/or winemaking.
• Hands‑on cellar experience, from harvest intake to finished wine.
• Strong knowledge of viticulture and winemaking processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with producers.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Good organisational and planning abilities.
• Willingness to travel and attend wine tastings and wine shows.
• WineMS experience advantageous.