Lead Viticulturist - Sustainable Vineyard Management

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Viticulturist for a premier Cape Town estate, to supervise all vineyard activities and drive sustainable farming practices.

You will lead a small team, optimize grape quality, and collaborate with winemaking to meet diverse style targets, leveraging data-driven insights in a hands-on role on-site in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in viticulture, horticulture, plant science or related field.
• At least 5 years of practical vineyard management experience.
• Experience with sustainable, organic or biodynamic farming practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planting, pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest/disease control following organic/biodynamic principles.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Monitor soil health, vine nutrition, and water status; adjust management based on data.
• Lead and mentor vineyard staff, ensuring safety and high performance.
• Research and trial new grape varietals, rootstocks, and viticultural techniques.
• Collaborate with winemaking to meet quality targets for different styles.
• Implement sustainable farming practices and manage budgets and records.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations and certifications.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Communication

Team management

Outdoor work

Education

MSc or Ph.D. in Viticulture/Horticulture/Plant Science

Tools

Precision agriculture tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate situated in the picturesque Cape Town, Western Cape region, is seeking a dedicated and innovative Lead Viticulturist to oversee the management of their premium vineyards. This role is crucial for maintaining the estate's reputation for producing world-class wines. The Lead Viticulturist will be responsible for all aspects of grape cultivation, from soil health and vine nutrition to pest control and harvesting strategies. This position requires a hands-on approach, combined with a strong scientific understanding of viticulture and a passion for sustainable practices. The successful candidate will lead a small team, implement cutting-edge vineyard technologies, and contribute to the strategic direction of the estate's agricultural operations. This is an on-site position, deeply rooted in the unique terroir of the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest/disease control, adhering to organic and biodynamic principles.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield for premium wine production.
• Monitor soil health, vine nutrition, and water status, making data-driven adjustments as needed.
• Lead and mentor vineyard staff, ensuring high standards of work and safety.
• Conduct research and trials on new grape varietals, rootstocks, and innovative viticultural techniques.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaking team to ensure grapes meet specific quality parameters for different wine styles.
• Oversee the implementation of sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
• Manage vineyard budgets, resource allocation, and record-keeping.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations and certifications.

Requirements

• MSc or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of practical experience in vineyard management, preferably in a premium wine region.
• Demonstrated knowledge of grape varietal characteristics, terroir, and winemaking processes.
• Experience with sustainable, organic, or biodynamic farming practices is essential.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard mapping, data analysis, and precision agriculture tools.
• Excellent understanding of vineyard pests, diseases, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks as required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with different teams.
• Residency or willingness to relocate to the Cape Town, Western Cape area.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary package of R per annum, along with performance incentives and comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a retirement fund. This role offers the unique opportunity to work within a world-renowned wine estate, contribute to exceptional wine production, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Western Cape . Access to professional development, opportunities for travel to international wine regions, and a supportive team environment are key advantages.