Lead Horticulturalist - Vineyard Management

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Horticulturalist for a prestigious wine estate in Cape Town. The role oversees premium vineyard operations, combining viticulture expertise with sustainable farming and strong leadership to guide a dedicated team and ensure high-quality grape production.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, irrigation management, IPM, soil health monitoring, budgeting, and collaboration with winemaking to meet diverse wine styles. A driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field.
• Experience in premium wine grape production.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Knowledge of cool-climate viticulture and terroir.

Responsibilities

• Develop vineyard management plans including planting, pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest control.
• Supervise and mentor vineyard workers with focus on safety and performance.
• Monitor soil health, nutrients, and water usage; implement sustainable practices.
• Manage vineyard budgets and resources for cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to meet style-specific grape requirements.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate located in the scenic Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Horticulturalist to oversee all aspects of their premium vineyard operations. This is a hands-on role requiring a deep understanding of viticulture, soil science, and sustainable farming practices. You will be responsible for managing a dedicated team, implementing innovative techniques to enhance grape quality, and ensuring the long-term health and productivity of our vineyards. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the production of world-class wines in one of South Africa's most renowned wine-producing regions. You will play a critical role in shaping the future of our estate's viticultural success, focusing on both tradition and cutting-edge practices to achieve excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic vineyard management plans, including planting, pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Supervise and mentor a team of vineyard workers, ensuring high standards of performance and safety.
• Monitor soil health, nutrient levels, and water usage, implementing sustainable practices to optimize vine growth and grape quality.
• Manage vineyard budgets, including labor, materials, and equipment, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Implement advanced viticultural techniques to improve grape varietal expression and wine quality.
• Oversee the selection and planting of new grape varietals and rootstocks suited to the Cape Town climate and soil conditions.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, including chemical applications, harvest yields, and grape quality assessments.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grapes meet the specific requirements for different wine styles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in vineyard management, with a proven track record of success in premium wine grape production.
• In-depth knowledge of cool-climate viticulture, grape physiology, and terroir influence.
• Experience with irrigation scheduling, fertigation, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide staff.
• Proficiency in vineyard mapping and data management software.
• Excellent understanding of wine quality parameters and their relationship to vineyard practices.
• Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities of viticulture in the Western Cape region.
• A valid driver's license is essential.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance incentives and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• You will have access to state-of-the-art vineyard equipment and resources.
• The opportunity to work in a beautiful setting and contribute to a legacy of winemaking excellence is a significant advantage.
• We provide ongoing professional development and encourage participation in industry events.
• This is a chance to lead and innovate in a celebrated wine-growing region.