Premium Vineyard Manager — Viticulture & Grape Quality

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Viticulture Manager to lead extensive vineyard operations in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role oversees soil prep, planting, canopy management, pest control, irrigation, and harvest to produce premium grapes for winemaking.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in vineyard management, deep knowledge of grape varietals, soil science, and climate impacts, plus leadership and data analysis skills to optimise yields and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related agricultural discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive vineyard management experience in premium wine grape production.
• Strong knowledge of grape varietals, soil science, climate influences, and sustainable viticulture.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for vineyard development, management, and optimisation.
• Oversee grapevine cultivation including pruning, canopy management, and fruit thinning.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management programs to protect vines and ensure fruit quality.
• Manage irrigation and soil nutrition programs based on vineyard analysis and varietal needs.
• Supervise and train vineyard team; maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, yields, costs, and health.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable viticulture standards.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets varietal and stylistic requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Plant Science or related agricultural discipline

Tools

Vineyard management software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Viticulture Manager to lead extensive vineyard operations in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role oversees soil prep, planting, canopy management, pest control, irrigation, and harvest to produce premium grapes for winemaking.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in vineyard management, deep knowledge of grape varietals, soil science, and climate impacts, plus leadership and data analysis skills to optimise yields and quality.