Senior Viticulturist - Hybrid Role, Premium Wines

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wine allowances

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Viticulturist to lead vineyard operations in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The role blends on-site management with strategic planning, driving pruning, irrigation, pest control and canopy decisions to deliver premium grape quality for wine production.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in viticulture, deep knowledge of grape varietals, soil types and climate impacts, plus IPM and data-driven practices.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, or Agricultural Science.
• 7+ years of experience in premium viticulture.
• Deep knowledge of grape varietals, soils, and climate impacts on wine quality.
• Proven vineyard operations management and team supervision.
• IPM expertise and sustainable farming practices.
• Experience with vineyard mapping and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans including pruning and harvesting.
• Monitor vine health, soils, and microclimates to optimize quality.
• Oversee irrigation systems for efficient water use.
• Implement IPM and sustainable disease management.
• Manage vineyard staff and ensure safety and quality standards.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections and reporting.
• Collaborate with winemaker to meet grape quality specs.
• Research new viticulture technologies for efficiency.
• Manage vineyard budget and cost control.
• Maintain records of activities, inputs, and yields.

Skills

Vineyard leadership

Canopy management

IPM & sustainability

Data analysis

Team supervision

Budget management

Education

Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture or Agricultural Science

Tools

Vineyard mapping tools

Data analysis software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Viticulturist to lead vineyard operations in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The role blends on-site management with strategic planning, driving pruning, irrigation, pest control and canopy decisions to deliver premium grape quality for wine production.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in viticulture, deep knowledge of grape varietals, soil types and climate impacts, plus IPM and data-driven practices.