Senior Viticulturist - Vineyard Management

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension fund

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Vine physiology

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agronomy

Tools

Data management software

Precision agriculture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate located near George, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced Senior Viticulturist to oversee all aspects of their premium vineyard operations. This critical role involves managing grape cultivation from planting to harvest, ensuring the production of high-quality grapes essential for award-winning wines. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of viticultural science, soil management, pest control, and sustainable farming practices tailored to the unique microclimate of the region. You will lead a dedicated vineyard team, implement innovative techniques, and contribute significantly to the estate's reputation for excellence. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of viticulture in one of South Africa's most renowned wine-producing areas. We are committed to sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology in our pursuit of superior wine production.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute detailed vineyard management plans, including canopy management, shoot thinning, and leaf removal, to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Supervise all vineyard activities, including irrigation scheduling, nutrient management, and pest and disease monitoring using integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Conduct detailed soil analysis and implement tailored fertilization programs to ensure optimal vine health and grape composition.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training, supervision, and performance evaluation to ensure efficient and high-quality work.
• Implement and maintain sustainable and organic viticultural practices to promote biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
• Monitor weather conditions and microclimates, implementing strategies to mitigate risks such as frost, hail, and drought.
• Oversee vineyard replanting and new block establishment, selecting appropriate clones and rootstocks.
• Collaborate with winemakers to ensure grape phenolic ripeness and flavor profiles meet the desired 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 and apply relevant innovations.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in viticulture, with a strong emphasis on managing premium wine grape vineyards.
• Demonstrated expertise in vine physiology, grape berry development, and the impact of environmental factors on grape quality.
• Proven experience with irrigation systems (e.g., drip irrigation) and water management strategies in viticulture.
• In-depth knowledge of common vineyard pests, diseases, and effective, sustainable control methods.
• Experience with vineyard mapping, precision agriculture techniques, and data management software.
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience managing and motivating a vineyard team.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for team collaboration and reporting.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions in and around George.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive remuneration package reflecting the seniority of this role, including a competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Benefits include private medical insurance, a pension fund, and generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending international conferences and workshops, are provided.

The estate provides a unique working environment amidst stunning landscapes, fostering a culture of passion and dedication to quality. This role offers the chance to manage and develop exceptional vineyards in a world-class wine region, contributing to the creation of celebrated wines.