Senior Viticulturist and Vineyard Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Presencial; ZAR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Performance-based bonus

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Staff discounts on wine

Vineyard tours and tasting events

Live in Stellenbosch region

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 seeks a Senior Viticulturist and Vineyard Manager to lead vineyard health, productivity, and sustainable management in Stellenbosch. You will guide varietal insights, soil science, and pest management to ensure high-quality grape production for award-winning wines.

With 8+ years in viticulture, you will manage staff, budgets, and implement precision agriculture while collaborating with winemaking to hit quality targets.

Formación

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Agricultural Science, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in viticulture and vineyard management, with a proven track record of success.
• Extensive knowledge of grape varietal characteristics, terroir, and their impact on wine quality.
• Proficiency in vineyard mapping, irrigation scheduling, and pest and disease monitoring systems.
• Experience with precision agriculture technologies is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in both indoor and outdoor environments, under varying weather conditions.
• A passion for viticulture and a commitment to producing exceptional grapes.
• Valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of local regulations pertaining to agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and implement strategic vineyard management plans to optimize grape yield and quality.
• Supervise day-to-day vineyard operations, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Conduct regular soil and leaf tissue analysis to inform nutrient management strategies.
• Manage and train vineyard staff, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor weather patterns and implement appropriate mitigation strategies for frost, heat, or other adverse conditions.
• Oversee the implementation of sustainable and organic farming practices.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grapes meet specific quality targets.
• Manage vineyard budgets and resource allocation effectively.
• Maintain detailed records of all vineyard activities and performance metrics.
• Research and introduce innovative viticultural techniques and technologies.

Conocimientos

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Vineyard mapping

Irrigation scheduling

Pest and disease monitoring

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture

Master's degree in Viticulture

Herramientas

Vineyard mapping software

Irrigation scheduling systems

Pest & disease monitoring systems

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate in the picturesque region of Stellenbosch , is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Senior Viticulturist and Vineyard Manager. This is a critical role overseeing the health, productivity, and sustainable management of our extensive vineyards. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of grape varietals, soil science, pest and disease management, and modern viticultural practices. You will be instrumental in ensuring the highest quality grape production, which is the foundation of our award-winning wines. This role offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and contribute to the legacy of one of the Western Cape's premier wine producers, right here in Stellenbosch .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic vineyard management plans to optimize grape yield and quality.
• Supervise day-to-day vineyard operations, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Conduct regular soil and leaf tissue analysis to inform nutrient management strategies.
• Manage and train vineyard staff, fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor weather patterns and implement appropriate mitigation strategies for frost, heat, or other adverse conditions.
• Oversee the implementation of sustainable and organic farming practices.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grapes meet specific quality targets.
• Manage vineyard budgets and resource allocation effectively.
• Maintain detailed records of all vineyard activities and performance metrics.
• Research and introduce innovative viticultural techniques and technologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Agricultural Science, Horticulture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in viticulture and vineyard management, with a proven track record of success.
• Extensive knowledge of grape varietal characteristics, terroir, and their impact on wine quality.
• Proficiency in vineyard mapping, irrigation scheduling, and pest and disease monitoring systems.
• Experience with precision agriculture technologies is highly desirable.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in both indoor and outdoor environments, under varying weather conditions.
• A passion for viticulture and a commitment to producing exceptional grapes.
• Valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of local regulations pertaining to agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with a performance-based bonus structure.
• You will have access to ongoing professional development opportunities and the chance to attend industry conferences.
• This role includes comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Furthermore, you will enjoy staff discounts on wine purchases and opportunities to participate in vineyard tours and tasting events.
• The chance to live and work in the beautiful Stellenbosch region, renowned for its scenery and lifestyle, is an unparalleled benefit.
• Join a supportive and dynamic team committed to excellence.