Junior Winemaker Apprentice — Hands-On Training

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Mentorship access

Hands-on winemaking

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 invites candidates to join a renowned Stellenbosch winery as a Junior Winemaker Apprentice. You will learn winemaking from grape to bottle, gaining hands-on experience in vineyard management, grape harvesting, fermentation, blending and bottling under expert guidance.

You will work seasonally, performing cellar and vineyard duties, with mentorship from award-winning winemakers. The program emphasizes practical skill-building and attention to quality wine production.

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for wine and winemaking.
• Willingness to perform physical labor in vineyard and cellar.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to follow instructions precisely.
• Good organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Must be physically fit and able to work long hours during peak seasons.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the Stellenbosch, Western Cape region.
• A relevant qualification in Viticulture, Oenology, or Agriculture is advantageous.
• Basic understanding of wine production principles is a plus.
• Flexibility to work seasonally, including weekends and holidays during harvest.

Responsibilities

• Assist in vineyard operations, including pruning, canopy management, and harvesting.
• Participate in grape reception, crushing, and destemming processes.
• Monitor fermentation progress, including temperature control and yeast activity.
• Perform regular tastings and analysis of must and wine.
• Assist in racking, filtering, and blending operations.
• Learn and implement sanitation protocols for cellar equipment.
• Support the bottling process, including preparing bottles and operating bottling lines.
• Maintain accurate records of vineyard and cellar activities.
• Assist with laboratory analysis of wine samples.
• Contribute to maintaining a clean and organized winery environment.

Skills

Wine appreciation

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Willingness to learn

Education

Viticulture/Oenology/Agriculture qualification

Job description

Placements24 invites candidates to join a renowned Stellenbosch winery as a Junior Winemaker Apprentice. You will learn winemaking from grape to bottle, gaining hands-on experience in vineyard management, grape harvesting, fermentation, blending and bottling under expert guidance.

You will work seasonally, performing cellar and vineyard duties, with mentorship from award-winning winemakers. The program emphasizes practical skill-building and attention to quality wine production.