Premium Vineyard Viticulturist — Lead Quality & Sustainability

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Generous annual leave

Subsidized accommodation

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing a Viticulturist for a world-renowned winery estate near Cape Town. You will manage premium vineyards, driving soil preparation, vine health, canopy management and harvest quality to support award-winning wines.

You will lead vineyard operations, develop management plans, monitor irrigation and nutrition, and work with the winemaking team to align grape growing with wine styles. A Bachelor's (Master's preferred) and 5–7 years in viticulture are expected, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 5-7 years hands-on viticulture experience, preferably in a cool-climate wine region.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, phenology, and common pests and diseases.
• Experience with precision viticulture techniques and vineyard mapping is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of irrigation systems, soil health management, and canopy management.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee health, growth, and productivity of all vineyard blocks, ensuring optimal grape quality for winemaking.
• Develop and execute vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, and pruning strategies.
• Conduct regular vineyard walks to assess vine vigor, yield potential, grape maturity, and identify any biotic or abiotic stresses.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training and supervision to ensure efficient and high-quality work execution.
• Implement and monitor sustainable and organic farming practices where applicable.
• Analyze soil and leaf tissue data to inform nutrient management programs.
• Coordinate with the winemaking team to align grape growing practices with desired wine styles.
• Maintain detailed records of all vineyard activities, inputs, and weather data.
• Stay current with the latest research and innovations in viticulture.

Skills

Vineyard management

Canopy management

Data analysis

Team leadership

Irrigation systems

Pest & disease control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Vineyard mapping

Soil analysis

Leaf tissue analysis

Data recording systems

Job description

Placements24 is sourcing a Viticulturist for a world-renowned winery estate near Cape Town. You will manage premium vineyards, driving soil preparation, vine health, canopy management and harvest quality to support award-winning wines.

You will lead vineyard operations, develop management plans, monitor irrigation and nutrition, and work with the winemaking team to align grape growing with wine styles. A Bachelor's (Master's preferred) and 5–7 years in viticulture are expected, with a focus on