Oenologist / Winemaker - Research & Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a senior Oenologist with a strong R&D focus to join a leading wine producer in Paarl, Western Cape. You will drive research, develop novel wine styles, and collaborate with vineyard teams and QA to elevate product quality.

The role requires a PhD/Master's in a related field and 7+ years in winemaking with commercial R&D experience. Expect extended hours during harvest and relocation support.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in oenology or related field with research focus.
• Minimum 7 years in winemaking, including commercial R&D.
• Proven track record of new techniques or products.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects on new winemaking technologies and aging processes.
• Develop and pilot new wine blends and styles with market potential.
• Collaborate with viticulturists to optimize grape quality for winemaking.
• Conduct detailed sensory and chemical analysis throughout production.
• Troubleshoot oenological challenges during fermentation and maturation.
• Stay updated on scientific advancements, trends, and regulations.
• Author reports and present results to management and teams.
• Oversee lab operations and ensure analytical quality.
• Contribute to QC standards for all wines.
• Mentor junior staff and ensure regulatory compliance.

Skills

Fermentation science

Wine chemistry

Sensory evaluation

Analytical instrumentation

Scientific writing

Project management

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree or PhD in Oenology, Food Science, Chemistry

Tools

HPLC

GC-MS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized leader in wine production, is seeking an innovative and highly skilled Oenologist with a strong focus on Research & Development to join their prestigious winemaking team in **Paarl, Western Cape**. This senior role will drive the exploration and implementation of new winemaking techniques, grape varietal research, and quality enhancement initiatives. The successful candidate will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of oenological science, developing novel wine styles, and ensuring the consistent production of exceptional wines that represent the unique terroir of the **Western Cape**. You will collaborate closely with vineyard teams, quality control specialists, and marketing departments to bring innovative wine products to market. This is an exceptional opportunity for a scientifically-minded individual to contribute significantly to the future of fine winemaking. The role demands creativity, a meticulous approach to experimentation, and a deep understanding of both the science and art of winemaking. We are looking for a thought leader passionate about elevating wine quality and exploring new frontiers in oenology within the **Paarl** region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct research projects focused on new winemaking technologies, yeast strains, fermentation techniques, and aging processes.
• Develop and pilot new wine blends and styles, assessing their potential market appeal and quality attributes.
• Collaborate with viticulturists to understand grape quality and influence vineyard practices for optimal winemaking outcomes.
• Conduct detailed sensory analysis and chemical analysis of wines throughout the winemaking process.
• Troubleshoot and resolve any oenological challenges encountered during fermentation and maturation.
• Stay abreast of the latest scientific advancements, industry trends, and regulatory changes in oenology and wine production.
• Author scientific reports, research findings, and technical documentation.
• Present research results and recommendations to senior management and winemaking teams.
• Oversee laboratory operations and ensure the quality and accuracy of analytical testing.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of quality control standards for all wine products.
• Mentor junior oenologists and laboratory technicians.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, health, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Oenology, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in winemaking, with a significant portion dedicated to research and development in a commercial setting.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing new winemaking techniques or products.
• In-depth knowledge of fermentation science, wine chemistry, microbiology, and sensory evaluation.
• Experience with a wide range of grape varietals and wine styles relevant to the **Western Cape**.
• Proficiency in laboratory techniques and analytical instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, GC-MS).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong scientific writing and presentation abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex research projects.
• Creative mindset and a passion for wine innovation.
• Willingness to work extended hours during harvest and be based in/near **Paarl**.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Opportunity to work with award-winning wines and state-of-the-art facilities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement plan contributions.
• Professional development funding and opportunities to attend international symposia.
• Employee discounts on wine and other company products.
• Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation.