Senior Viticulturist for Premium Wine Estate

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Presencial; ZAR 800.000 - 1.400.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Housing assistance

Performance bonuses

Retirement benefits

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Viticulturist for a renowned Stellenbosch wine estate to oversee grape cultivation, soil health, irrigation, and harvest planning. You will lead a vineyard team, apply sustainable farming practices, and collaborate with the winemaker to meet quality targets.

The role demands at least seven years in premium viticulture, strong knowledge of vine physiology, soil science, and pest management, plus experience with vineyard software.

Formación

• 7+ years in viticulture with track record in premium wine production.
• Experience with sustainable and organic farming.
• Deep knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, entomology and plant pathology.
• Experience with irrigation systems, soil analysis and vineyard mapping technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach to vineyard management.
• Understanding of wine production processes and factors influencing grape quality.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software and office applications.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans (irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, canopy management).
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions and microclimates to identify issues and implement solutions.
• Lead a vineyard team with training, supervision and performance evaluations.
• Oversee harvest timing to ensure optimal grape quality and minimize damage.
• Maintain detailed records of activities, observations and interventions.
• Research and implement innovative viticultural practices and technologies.
• Manage vineyard budget and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with winemaker to meet grape quality requirements for varietals.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term development of the vineyard.

Conocimientos

Vineyard leadership

Viticulture expertise

Sustainable farming

Soil science

Grape physiology

Irrigation systems

Data-driven management

Vineyard mapping tech

Winemaking collaboration

Office software

Educación

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agronomy

Herramientas

Vineyard management software

General office apps

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, an esteemed premium wine estate located in the heart of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Senior Viticulturist. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of grape cultivation, from soil management and vine health to harvesting, ensuring the production of exceptionally high-quality grapes for world-class wines. The Senior Viticulturist will lead a team of vineyard workers, implement sustainable farming practices, and utilize cutting-edge techniques to optimize yield and grape quality. We are looking for a passionate individual with a deep scientific understanding of viticulture, extensive practical experience, and a commitment to excellence. You will play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing the reputation of one of the region's most celebrated vineyards. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the legacy of winemaking in the renowned Stellenbosch wine region of South Africa .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, and canopy management.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and microclimates to identify potential issues and implement proactive solutions.
• Manage and lead a vineyard team, providing training, supervision, and performance evaluations.
• Oversee the timely and efficient harvesting of grapes, ensuring optimal quality and minimizing damage.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections and maintain detailed records of all activities, observations, and interventions.
• Research and implement innovative viticultural practices and technologies to improve grape quality and sustainability.
• Manage the vineyard budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the winemaker to ensure that grape quality meets the specific requirements for different wine varietals.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and long-term development of the vineyard.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in viticulture, with a strong track record in managing vineyards for premium wine production.
• Proven expertise in sustainable and organic farming practices.
• Deep knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, entomology, and plant pathology.
• Experience with irrigation systems, soil analysis, and vineyard mapping technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a workforce effectively.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to vineyard management.
• Strong understanding of wine production processes and the factors influencing grape quality for winemaking.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software and general office applications.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• A genuine passion for wine and a commitment to producing exceptional fruit.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including housing assistance, performance bonuses, and retirement benefits. This position is based on our beautiful wine estate in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . Employees benefit from working in a world-class environment with access to cutting-edge viticultural technology and the opportunity to be part of an award-winning winemaking team. We are committed to fostering professional growth and provide opportunities for continuous learning within the esteemed South African wine industry.