Junior Viticulturist & Winemaker - Vineyard & Cellar

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

Benefits offered by this job

Housing on or near estate

Job summary

Hoteljobs is seeking a highly skilled Viticulturist to manage premium vineyards in Stellenbosch. You will oversee all aspects of grape cultivation from establishment and soil management to canopy management, pest control and harvest decisions, ensuring high-quality grapes for winemaking.

The role requires deep knowledge of grape physiology, soil science and pest/disease management, plus proficiency with vineyard monitoring tools and irrigation planning.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Horticulture or related field
• Minimum 6 years of vineyard management and grape production experience
• Deep understanding of grapevine physiology, soil science and pest/disease management in viticulture
• Proficiency with vineyard monitoring tools such as refractometers, pressure bombs and soil testing equipment
• Experience with irrigation scheduling and nutrient management for vineyards
• Strong analytical skills and ability to make critical vineyard operations and harvest timing decisions

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual vineyard management plans including pruning, trellising, and canopy management
• Monitor vineyard health, soil conditions and environmental factors to ensure optimal grape development
• Manage irrigation systems and nutrient applications for each block and varietal
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies to protect the vines
• Determine optimal harvest times based on fruit maturity, sugar levels and phenolic ripeness
• Collaborate with winemakers to understand desired grape profiles and adjust viticultural practices accordingly

Skills

Viticulture

Oenology

Vineyard management

Irrigation scheduling

Pest management

Soil science

Canopy management

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Viticulture/Oenology/Horticulture

Tools

Refractometers

Pressure bombs

Soil testing equipment

Job description

Showing 1 Junior Viticulturist Winemaker Vineyard Cellar jobs in Stellenbosch

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About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Viticulturist to manage their premium vineyards in the renowned wine region of Stellenbosch . This role is responsible for all aspects of grape cultivation, from vineyard establishment and soil management to canopy management, pest control, and harvest decisions. You will employ cutting-edge viticultural practices to produce grapes of exceptional quality for winemaking. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to work with world-class grape varietals and contribute to the legacy of one of the region's leading wine estates, demanding a deep understanding of grape growing and vineyard health.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual vineyard management plans, including pruning, trellising, and canopy management.
• Monitor vineyard health, soil conditions, and environmental factors (weather, disease pressure) to ensure optimal grape development.
• Manage irrigation systems and nutrient applications to meet the specific needs of each block and varietal.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies to protect the vines.
• Determine optimal harvest times based on fruit maturity, sugar levels, and phenolic ripeness.
• Collaborate with winemakers to understand desired grape profiles and adjust viticultural practices accordingly.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Horticulture, or a related agricultural science.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in vineyard management and grape production.
• Deep understanding of grapevine physiology , soil science, and pest/disease management specific to viticulture.
• Proficiency in using vineyard monitoring tools, such as refractometers, pressure bombs, and soil testing equipment.
• Experience with irrigation scheduling and nutrient management for vineyards.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to make critical decisions regarding vineyard operations and harvest timing.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-related incentives.
• Potential for housing on or near the estate.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including wine industry courses and international study tours.
• A chance to work with some of the finest grape varietals in a world-renowned wine region.