Oenologist (Winemaker)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

World-class region

Facilities access

Travel opportunities

Prestigious role

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, South Africa, seeks an experienced Oenologist (Winemaker) to lead our client's winemaking operations, from grape reception to bottling, in a region renowned for its terroir.

You will oversee fermentation, aging, blending, and quality control, collaborate with viticulture, manage cellar systems and lab analyses, and drive cost-efficient production while maintaining high-quality wines.

Qualifications

• Degree in Oenology, Viticulture, Food Science, or a related field.
• Significant experience as a Winemaker with a portfolio of wines produced.
• Expert knowledge of fermentation techniques, yeast management, and aging processes.
• Proficiency in wine laboratory analysis and quality control procedures.
• Excellent sensory evaluation skills and a refined palate.
• Strong understanding of wine production costs and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the winemaking process, including fermentation, aging, and blending.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and laboratory analysis to monitor wine quality and stability.
• Develop winemaking protocols tailored to different grape varietals and styles.
• Manage cellar operations, including sanitation, equipment maintenance, and inventory control.
• Collaborate with the viticulture team to optimize grape quality based on vineyard practices.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards.

Skills

Winemaking experience

Fermentation techniques

Yeast management

Aging processes

Wine lab analysis

Sensory evaluation

Inventory management

Costing knowledge

Education

Degree in Oenology, Viticulture, Food Science, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a talented and experienced Oenologist (Winemaker) to lead their winemaking operations in the renowned wine region of Stellenbosch. This role requires a deep understanding of the science and art of winemaking, from grape reception to bottling. You will be responsible for crafting high-quality wines that express the unique terroir of the region. The ideal candidate is passionate about wine, possesses a keen palate, and has a proven track record in producing award-winning wines, working closely with the viticulture team to ensure the best possible fruit is sourced.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the winemaking process, including fermentation, aging, and blending.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and laboratory analysis to monitor wine quality and stability.
• Develop and implement winemaking protocols tailored to different grape varietals and desired wine styles.
• Manage cellar operations, including sanitation, equipment maintenance, and inventory control.
• Collaborate with the viticulture team to optimize grape quality based on vineyard practices.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety regulations and quality standards.

Requirements

• Degree in Oenology, Viticulture, Food Science, or a related field.
• Significant experience as a Winemaker, with a portfolio of successfully produced wines.
• Expert knowledge of fermentation techniques, yeast management, and aging processes.
• Proficiency in wine laboratory analysis and quality control procedures.
• Excellent sensory evaluation skills and a refined palate.
• Strong understanding of wine production costs and inventory management.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to craft exceptional wines in a world-class region.
• Access to advanced winemaking facilities and equipment.
Travel opportunities to wine industry events and research conferences.
• A prestigious role within the South African wine industry.