Senior Viticulturist - Lead Premium Vineyard

Placements24; George; Presencial; ZAR 700.000 - 900.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Private medical insurance

Pension fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Viticulturist for a prestigious wine estate near George, Western Cape. You will oversee all aspects of premium vineyard operations, from planting to harvest, ensuring top-quality grapes for award-winning wines.

You will lead a dedicated vineyard team, apply sustainable, IPM-informed practices, and collaborate with winemakers to align grape phenolic ripeness with desired wine styles.

Formación

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or closely related field.
• 8+ years hands-on viticulture experience with premium vineyards.
• Expertise in vine physiology and grape berry development.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management in viticulture.
• Knowledge of IPM and sustainable pest/disease control methods.
• Experience with vineyard mapping, precision agriculture techniques, and data management software.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work outdoors around George.

Responsabilidades

• Develop and execute detailed vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Supervise all vineyard activities, including irrigation scheduling, nutrient management, and pest/disease monitoring using IPM.
• Conduct detailed soil analysis and implement tailored fertilization programs to ensure optimal vine health.
• Lead vineyard staff with training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Implement sustainable and organic viticultural practices to promote biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
• Monitor weather conditions and microclimates to mitigate risks such as frost, hail, and drought.
• Oversee vineyard replanting and new block establishment, selecting clones/rootstocks.
• Collaborate with winemakers to ensure grape phenolic ripeness and flavor profiles meet wine style targets.
• Maintain accurate records of all vineyard operations, including costs, labor, treatments, and yield data.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and technological advancements in viticulture.

Conocimientos

Vine physiology

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Educación

Master's or PhD in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agronomy

Herramientas

Data management software

Precision agriculture

Descripción del empleo

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Viticulturist for a prestigious wine estate near George, Western Cape. You will oversee all aspects of premium vineyard operations, from planting to harvest, ensuring top-quality grapes for award-winning wines.

You will lead a dedicated vineyard team, apply sustainable, IPM-informed practices, and collaborate with winemakers to align grape phenolic ripeness with desired wine styles.