Lead Viticulturist - Wine Estate Management

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

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate situated in the picturesque Winelands region near Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Lead Viticulturist to oversee all aspects of their vineyard operations. This is a pivotal role responsible for nurturing grapevines to produce grapes of exceptional quality, essential for the estate's award-winning wines. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of viticulture, including soil management, canopy management, irrigation, pest and disease control, and harvesting strategies, specifically tailored to the unique microclimate of the region. You will lead a dedicated team of vineyard workers, ensuring the highest standards of cultivation and sustainable practices are maintained. This position requires a hands-on approach, combining scientific knowledge with practical vineyard experience. The opportunity is based in the beautiful Western Cape, offering a lifestyle deeply connected to the land and the art of winemaking. You will be instrumental in maintaining and enhancing the reputation of the estate's vineyards through meticulous attention to detail and innovative techniques.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all vineyard activities, from planting and pruning to harvesting, ensuring optimal grape quality.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control programs.
• Monitor vineyard health, soil conditions, and grape maturity using advanced tools and techniques.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Implement and oversee sustainable and organic farming practices to minimize environmental impact.
• Collaborate with the winemaker to ensure grape specifications meet the requirements for different wine varietals.
• Manage vineyard budgets, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.
• Conduct research and trials on new grape varieties, rootstocks, and vineyard technologies.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in viticulture, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Demonstrated expertise in cool-climate viticulture and South African wine regions.
• Strong knowledge of vineyard pests, diseases, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Proficiency in vineyard mapping, data collection, and analysis tools.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Experience with cellar operations and winemaking processes is advantageous.
• A passion for wine and a commitment to quality and sustainability.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with extensive experience and expertise, alongside a comprehensive benefits package. This includes subsidized housing within the estate, full medical aid, a generous performance-based bonus structure, and opportunities for international wine industry exposure. You will have access to the estate's world-class facilities and the chance to work alongside renowned viticulturists and winemakers. A company vehicle and mobile phone are provided. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead and innovate within one of South Africa's premier wine-producing regions in Cape Town.