Lead Viticulturist - Premium Wine Estates

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Generous leave allowance

Performance bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Viticulturist to manage vineyards in Centurion, Gauteng. This senior role covers soil, vine health, canopy management, and harvest optimization.

You will lead a vineyard team, implement cutting-edge viticultural practices, and collaborate with winemaking to meet high-quality standards. Requires advanced degree and 8+ years of experience in premium grape production.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in viticulture, with a focus on premium grape production.
• Demonstrated success in managing vineyards and leading teams in Centurion, Gauteng, or a similar wine-producing region.
• In-depth knowledge of different grape varietals and their specific growing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete grape growing cycle, ensuring optimal vine health, yield, and fruit quality.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, pest, and disease control strategies.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections and soil analyses to monitor vine performance and health.
• Manage the vineyard team, providing leadership, training, and supervision.
• Research and apply innovative viticultural techniques to enhance grape quality and sustainability.
• Monitor weather patterns and implement strategies to mitigate risks such as frost or heat stress.

Education

Master's degree in Viticulture

PhD in Viticulture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned producer of premium wines, is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Lead Viticulturist to manage their vineyards in Centurion, Gauteng. This is a senior position responsible for all aspects of grape cultivation, from soil management and vine health to canopy management and harvest optimization. The Lead Viticulturist will play a crucial role in ensuring the highest quality grapes are produced to meet the exacting standards of our client's world-class wines. You will lead a dedicated vineyard team and implement cutting-edge viticultural practices. This role is based in the heart of Gauteng's emerging wine region and offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the legacy of fine winemaking.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete grape growing cycle, ensuring optimal vine health, yield, and fruit quality.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, pest, and disease control strategies.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections and soil analyses to monitor vine performance and health.
• Manage the vineyard team, providing leadership, training, and supervision.
• Research and apply innovative viticultural techniques to enhance grape quality and sustainability.
• Monitor weather patterns and implement strategies to mitigate risks such as frost or heat stress.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaking team to ensure grape composition meets desired wine profiles.
• Manage vineyard budgets and resources effectively.
• Maintain accurate records of vineyard activities and performance data.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in viticulture, with a focus on premium grape production.
• Demonstrated success in managing vineyards and leading teams in Centurion, Gauteng, or a similar wine-producing region.
• In-depth knowledge of different grape varietals and their specific growing requirements.
• Expertise in soil science, irrigation management, and integrated pest management (IPM) for vineyards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Familiarity with wine industry regulations and sustainable farming practices.
• Proficiency in viticulture software and data management tools.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package and a comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, a generous leave allowance, and a performance bonus structure.
• The opportunity to work in a leading wine estate in Centurion with state-of-the-art facilities and a passionate team awaits.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.
• You will be integral to the creation of award-winning wines, enjoying a challenging and rewarding career in Gauteng's burgeoning wine industry.