Senior Viticulturist - Vineyard Management Expert

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

On-site accommodation

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Viticulturist to lead vineyard management in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role focuses on soil prep, planting, and harvesting to produce premium quality grapes for world-class wines.

It is a hands-on, on-site position requiring deep horticultural knowledge and strong leadership. The successful candidate will bring at least 6 years' experience in commercial vineyard management, IPM proficiency, irrigation know-how, and a collaborative approach with winemaking

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy or related agricultural science.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in commercial vineyard management.
• Deep understanding of grape varietal characteristics and terroirs.
• Proven IPM experience and pest/disease management.
• Strong irrigation, soil science and plant nutrition knowledge.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency with farm management software and data analysis.
• Valid driver's license and readiness to work outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Monitor vineyard health, pests, diseases, and weeds; implement sustainable practices.
• Manage irrigation systems and water usage efficiently.
• Oversee pruning, canopy management and other vineyard tasks.
• Conduct soil and tissue analysis to guide nutrient management.
• Supervise staff, provide training, ensure safety compliance.
• Maintain records of vineyard input usage, yield and quality data.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to meet style requirements.
• Research and adopt new viticultural technologies and methods.

Skills

Leadership

IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

Irrigation management

Soil science & plant nutrition

Data analysis

Farm management software

Education

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

Tools

Farm management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious vineyard and winery operation in the heart of the winelands, is seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Viticulturist to lead their vineyard management operations in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This critical role involves overseeing all aspects of grape cultivation, from soil preparation and planting to harvesting, with a focus on producing premium quality grapes for world-class wines. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing innovative viticultural practices, ensuring the health and sustainability of the vineyards, and optimizing grape quality and yield. This is a hands‑on, on‑site position requiring deep horticultural knowledge and leadership capabilities within the beautiful Western Cape landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing strategic vineyard management plans to ensure optimal grape quality and yield.
• Monitoring vineyard health, including pest, disease, and weed control, and implementing sustainable management practices.
• Managing irrigation systems and water usage efficiently.
• Overseeing pruning, canopy management, and other crucial vineyard tasks.
• Conducting regular soil and tissue analysis to inform nutrient management strategies.
• Supervising vineyard staff, providing training, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
• Maintaining detailed records of all vineyard activities, including input usage, yield, and quality data.
• Collaborating with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets specific wine style requirements.
• Researching and implementing new viticultural technologies and techniques to enhance vineyard performance and sustainability.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in commercial vineyard management.
• Deep understanding of grape varietal characteristics and their adaptation to different terroirs.
• Proven experience in pest and disease management, including integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Strong knowledge of irrigation techniques, soil science, and plant nutrition.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and direct staff.
• Proficiency in farm management software and data analysis.
• A valid driver's license and willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and a proactive approach to vineyard challenges.
• Passion for viticulture and a commitment to producing high‑quality grapes.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives and the opportunity to work with high-quality grape varietals. Employees receive comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits. Access to professional development opportunities, including workshops and industry conferences, is provided. You will be part of a renowned wine‑producing estate with a strong reputation for quality and innovation, situated in a picturesque location. On‑site accommodation may be available, and opportunities for career advancement within the organisation are excellent.