Senior Cellar Master & Winemaking Leader (Paarl)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Retirement annuity

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 presents an exceptional opportunity for a senior Cellar Master/Wine Production Manager at a premier winery in the Paarl region, Western Cape. The role oversees all production stages from grape reception to bottling, ensuring consistently award-winning wines.

The ideal candidate will bring a Master’s degree in oenology or related field, at least 7 years of cellar management experience, and a proven track record in quality, leadership, and innovation within a wine estate environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Oenology, Food Science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive cellar management and wine production experience.
• Strong knowledge of modern winemaking techniques and fermentation science.
• Understanding of viticulture and its impact on wine quality.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficiency in cellar management software and data analysis.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all cellar operations: fermentation, maturation, blending, bottling.
• Lead and develop the cellar team for high performance.
• Develop and implement production strategies to meet quality targets.
• Monitor key winemaking parameters and ensure product stability.
• Maintain strict quality control across production cycles.
• Manage inventory of wines, raw materials and supplies.
• Coordinate maintenance of cellar equipment and comply with safety regulations.
• Collaborate with Vineyard Manager to optimize grape quality.
• Drive innovations and continuous improvement in winemaking techniques.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Budget management

Fermentation science

Education

Master's degree in Oenology or related field

Tools

Cellar management software

Job description

Placements24 presents an exceptional opportunity for a senior Cellar Master/Wine Production Manager at a premier winery in the Paarl region, Western Cape. The role oversees all production stages from grape reception to bottling, ensuring consistently award-winning wines.

The ideal candidate will bring a Master’s degree in oenology or related field, at least 7 years of cellar management experience, and a proven track record in quality, leadership, and innovation within a wine estate environment.