Lead Viticulturist - Cape Winelands, Sustainable

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing on estate

Full medical aid

Performance-based bonus

Company vehicle

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Viticulturist for a renowned wine estate in the Winelands near Cape Town, Western Cape. The role oversees all vineyard operations, develops management plans, and leads a team to deliver high-quality grapes for premium wines.

You'll apply expertise in soil and canopy management, irrigation, IPM, and harvesting strategies, balancing scientific insight with hands-on leadership in a sustainable, high-care environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture or a related field.
• 10+ years viticulture experience, with 3+ years in lead/supervisory roles.
• Expertise in cool-climate viticulture and SA wine regions.
• IPM knowledge and pest/disease control expertise.
• Proficiency with vineyard mapping and data analysis tools.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Budgeting and resource management experience.
• Experience with cellar operations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all vineyard activities from planting to harvesting.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans (irrigation, fertilization, IPM).
• Monitor vineyard health, soil conditions, and grape maturity.
• Lead and train vineyard staff, with performance evaluations.
• Implement sustainable farming practices and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with winemaker on grape specs for different varietals.
• Manage budgets, resources, and operational efficiency.
• Conduct trials on new grape varieties and vineyard tech.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regs.

Skills

Leadership

Pest & disease management

IPM

Budgeting & resource mgmt

Communication

Vineyard operations

Harvest planning

Education

Degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agriculture

Tools

Vineyard mapping tools

Data collection & analysis tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Viticulturist for a renowned wine estate in the Winelands near Cape Town, Western Cape. The role oversees all vineyard operations, develops management plans, and leads a team to deliver high-quality grapes for premium wines.

You'll apply expertise in soil and canopy management, irrigation, IPM, and harvesting strategies, balancing scientific insight with hands-on leadership in a sustainable, high-care environment.