Oenologist - Quality Control & Innovation

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

International travel

Employee discounts

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch seeks an experienced Oenologist to lead the winemaking team from grape reception to bottling, ensuring the highest quality and driving innovation.

You will conduct sensory evaluations, manage fermentation parameters, and collaborate with Viticulture to optimize grape quality while upholding sustainable winemaking practices in a renowned wine region.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Oenology or related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on winemaking experience.
• Strong understanding of fermentation science, wine chemistry and microbiology.
• Experience with various wine styles and production techniques relevant to Stellenbosch.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the winemaking process, ensuring adherence to quality standards and optimal fermentation parameters.
• Conduct regular sensory evaluations and chemical analyses of musts, wines, and finished products to monitor quality.
• Develop and implement new winemaking techniques and technologies to enhance wine quality, style, and innovation.
• Manage cellar operations, including yeast selection, nutrient additions, temperature control, and racking.
• Supervise the maturation and aging processes of wines, including barrel management and blending trials.
• Ensure rigorous hygiene and sanitation protocols are maintained throughout the winery.
• Collaborate closely with the Viticulture team to optimize grape quality based on winemaking requirements.
• Manage wine stabilization, filtration, and bottling processes, ensuring product integrity.
• Maintain detailed records of all winemaking activities, analyses, and cellar operations.
• Stay current with global trends and advancements in oenology and wine science.
• Assist in the development of new wine products and blends.

Skills

Oenology knowledge

Fermentation science

Sensory analysis

Laboratory analysis

Team leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Oenology or related field

Tools

Winery software

Laboratory software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious winery located in the heart of the Stellenbosch wine region, is seeking an experienced and innovative Oenologist to join their esteemed winemaking team. This crucial role focuses on ensuring the highest quality standards throughout the winemaking process, from grape reception to final bottling, while also driving innovation in wine production techniques. The ideal candidate will possess a strong scientific foundation in oenology, coupled with practical winemaking experience and a discerning palate. You will play a key part in shaping the character and quality of our client's renowned wines, contributing to their continued success and reputation for excellence. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with exceptional fruit and state-of-the-art facilities in one of the world's most celebrated wine‑producing regions, the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the winemaking process, ensuring adherence to quality standards and optimal fermentation parameters.
• Conduct regular sensory evaluations and chemical analyses of musts, wines, and finished products to monitor quality and identify potential issues.
• Develop and implement new winemaking techniques and technologies to enhance wine quality, style, and innovation.
• Manage cellar operations, including yeast selection, nutrient additions, temperature control, and racking.
• Supervise the maturation and aging processes of wines, including barrel management and blending trials.
• Ensure rigorous hygiene and sanitation protocols are maintained throughout the winery.
• Collaborate closely with the Viticulture team to optimize grape quality based on winemaking requirements.
• Manage wine stabilization, filtration, and bottling processes, ensuring product integrity.
• Maintain detailed records of all winemaking activities, analyses, and cellar operations.
• Stay current with global trends and advancements in oenology and wine science.
• Assist in the development of new wine products and blends.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Oenology, Food Science with a specialization in wine, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on winemaking experience, with a proven track record of producing high-quality wines.
• In-depth understanding of fermentation science, wine chemistry, microbiology, and sensory analysis.
• Experience with a variety of wine styles and production techniques relevant to the Stellenbosch region.
• Proficiency in laboratory analysis and cellar management software.
• Strong palate and exceptional sensory evaluation skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and project management abilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and inspire a cellar team.
• Knowledge of global wine markets and consumer trends.
• Adaptability and ability to work long hours during harvest and bottling seasons.
• Commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainable winemaking practices in the Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. Opportunities for international travel to wine shows and research collaborations are available. You will work in a world-class facility with access to cutting-edge winemaking technology. Employee discounts on wine purchases are provided. This role offers a chance to be at the forefront of winemaking innovation in one of South Africa ’s most celebrated wine regions.