Junior Viticulturist & Winemaker

Craven Cottage CC; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC in Stellenbosch seeks an experienced viticulture and winemaking professional to manage grape production and assist cellar operations. You will visit producers, advise on vineyard practices, plan grape intake, and assist with blending and tasting alongside senior winemakers.

The role requires hands-on cellar experience, 3–5 years in related fields, and strong relationship-building and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 and a relevant degree in viticulture/oenology.
• 3–5 years in winegrape production or winemaking.
• Hands-on cellar experience from harvest to finished wine.
• Excellent people and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to tastings and shows.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with producers and give feedback on grape performance.
• Visit producers during the season and advise on vineyard practices to achieve quality grape production.
• Schedule and plan grape intake during harvest and monitor ripeness.
• Inform picking dates, cellar treatment and wine style using vineyard knowledge.
• Assist with winemaking and cellar operations from grape intake to finished wine.
• Taste, assess and blend wines with the Cellarmaster and senior winemaker.
• Maintain accurate viticulture and cellar records.
• Maintain cellar compliance, hygiene, safety and certification standards (e.g. WO Seal, IPW, WIETA, BSCI).

Skills

Relationship-building

Negotiation

Communication

Wine knowledge

Harvest planning

Education

Grade 12

BSc Agric in Viticulture & Oenology

Tools

WineMS

Job description

Duties:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with producers and give feedback on grape performance
• Visit producers during the season, advising on vineyard practices to achieve quality grape production
• Schedule and plan grape intake during harvest, and monitor and sample ripeness
• Use vineyard knowledge to inform picking dates, cellar treatment and wine style
• Assist with winemaking and cellar operations, from grape intake to finished wine
• Taste, assess and blend wines with the Cellarmaster and the senior winemaker
• Keep accurate viticulture and cellar records
• Maintain cellar compliance, hygiene, safety and certification standards (e.g. WO Seal, IPW, WIETA, BSCI)

Requirements:

• Grade 12
• B.Sc. Agric in Viticulture and Oenology (Winemaking)
• At least 3 to 5 years' experience in a winegrape production and/or winemaking environment
• Hands-on cellar experience, from harvest intake to finished wine
• Excellent people and communication skills, with the ability to build lasting relationships
• Strong negotiation skills
• Willingness to travel and attend wine tastings and wine shows
• Experience with WineMS is advantageous