Junior Viticulturist & Winemaker - Stellenbosch

HotelJobs; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs in Stellenbosch is seeking an experienced Junior Viticulturist & Winemaker to join a premier vineyard team, bridging the vineyard and the cellar to turn grapes into premium wines. You will source grapes at the best price, work with producers through the season, guide picking dates, and assist with cellar operations from harvest to finished wine.

The role requires strong negotiation, excellent communication, willingness to travel to tastings, and compliance with WO Seal, IPW, WIETA and

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in winegrape production or winemaking.
• Hands-on cellar experience from harvest intake to finished wine.
• Excellent people and communication skills with the ability to build lasting relationships.
• Willingness to travel and attend wine tastings and shows.
• Experience with WineMS is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, trusting relationships with producers and give feedback on grape performance.
• Visit producers during the season to advise on vineyard practices for quality 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.
• Keep accurate viticulture and cellar records.
• Maintain cellar compliance, hygiene, safety, and certification standards (WO Seal, IPW, WIETA, BSCI).

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Travel willingness

WineMS

Education

Agric in Viticulture and Oenology

Grade 12

Job description

Award winning Vineyard based in Stellenbosch is looking for an experience Junior Viticulturist & Winemaker to join their winemaking team. This is a rare opportunity to work across both the vineyard and the cellar ; helping to source; grow and guide grapes into wine for premium and ultra-premium ranges . Reporting to the C ellarmaster ; you will source and buy suitable grapes at the right price point, work closely with producers through the season, and help turn those grapes into finished wine . You will also make sure producers comply with company policies and procedures.

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
• 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