Lead Viticulturist - Coastal Vineyards Management

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Performance-based bonus

Retirement fund

Housing allowance

International travel

On-site role

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, seeks a Lead Viticulturist to oversee premium vineyard operations. You will guide planting-to-harvest plans, supervise pruning and canopy management, and drive sustainable viticulture practices to deliver high-quality grapes for top wines. A strong leadership track record is essential.

You will lead a team, manage budgets, collaborate with winemaking, and stay abreast of the latest viticulture research and tech in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
• 8+ years of hands-on viticulture experience; at least 3 years in leadership/supervisory roles.
• Deep knowledge of Western Cape grape varietals and terroir.
• Experience with sustainable/organic viticulture practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-management skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive vineyard plans from planting to harvest focusing on quality and yield.
• Supervise pruning, canopy management, irrigation, pest and disease control, and harvesting.
• Regular soil and vine health monitoring using diagnostic tools.
• Lead vineyard team, provide training and performance evaluations.
• Implement sustainable/organic viticultural practices to improve soil health and biodiversity.
• Manage vineyard budget, resources and inventory; collaborate with winemaking team.
• Maintain records of activities, yields and vineyard health data.
• Stay updated on viticulture research and technology.

Skills

Leadership

Viticulture knowledge

Data analysis

Communication

Outdoor resilience

Education

Master's degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Plant Science

Tools

Vineyard management software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate situated in the picturesque **Cape Town, Western Cape**, is seeking an exceptional Lead Viticulturist to oversee all aspects of their premium vineyard operations. This critical role demands a blend of scientific expertise, practical vineyard management skills, and a deep understanding of terroir to produce grapes of the highest quality for world-class wines. The Lead Viticulturist will be responsible for vineyard planning, grape growing, quality control, and the implementation of innovative viticultural practices. This is a hands-on position requiring strong leadership and a commitment to excellence in **South Africa's** renowned wine-producing region. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the estate's vineyards, ensuring consistent quality and sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive vineyard management plans, from planting to harvest, focusing on quality and yield optimization.
• Supervise all vineyard activities, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, pest and disease control, and harvesting.
• Conduct regular soil and vine health monitoring, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and techniques.
• Manage the vineyard team, providing training, guidance, and performance evaluations.
• Implement and oversee sustainable and organic viticultural practices to enhance soil health and biodiversity.
• Manage vineyard budget, resources, and inventory effectively.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grapes meet specific quality parameters for different wine styles.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, yield data, and vineyard health assessments.
• Stay updated on the latest research and technological advancements in viticulture.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in viticulture, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietals suited to the Western Cape climate and soil conditions.
• Proven experience in managing vineyards using sustainable or organic principles.
• Strong understanding of vineyard pests, diseases, and their management.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software and data analysis.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Valid driver's license and a commitment to the Cape Town area.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, a performance-based bonus structure, and a generous retirement fund.
• This role includes subsidized housing or a housing allowance and opportunities for international travel to wine-related conferences and vineyard exchanges.
• Employees benefit from a collaborative and passionate team environment, access to state-of-the-art vineyard technology, and the unique opportunity to contribute to the legacy of a prestigious wine estate in South Africa.
• The on-site nature of this role ensures deep immersion in the vineyard's success.