Senior Viticulturist - Vineyard Operations Lead

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

International study tours

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Viticulturist to lead vineyard operations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. This role combines strategic planning with hands-on management of extensive vineyards to optimize vine health, yield, and grape quality aligned with premium wine production.

Strong leadership and inquiry-driven management are essential to drive sustainable practices and excellence. The role requires a Master’s degree and 10+ years in viticulture, with proven ability to manage large blocks,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive viticulture and vineyard management experience.
• Strong knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, climate analysis, and IPM.
• Experience leading large vineyard teams and managing blocks in premium regions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term vineyard management strategies to enhance grape quality and yield.
• Oversee all vineyard operations: planting, pruning, canopy management, irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control.
• Conduct soil and water analyses and implement tailored viticultural programs.
• Lead and mentor vineyard staff, ensuring safety and high work standards.
• Implement sustainable viticultural practices prioritizing soil health and water conservation.
• Monitor vineyard health with advanced diagnostics and address issues proactively.
• Manage harvest logistics to ensure timely collection at optimal ripeness.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to meet style-specific grape quality targets.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard performance, inputs, and costs.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Driver's license

Education

Master's degree in Viticulture/Horticulture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Viticulturist to lead their vineyard operations in the heart of the Stellenbosch wine region, Western Cape . This senior role involves strategic planning and hands-on management of extensive vineyards, focusing on the cultivation of premium grape varietals. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing vine health, yield, and grape quality through the implementation of advanced viticultural practices and sustainable farming methods. This position requires a deep scientific understanding of soil-vine interaction, climate impact, and pest/disease management, coupled with strong leadership and team management skills. You will be instrumental in maintaining the estate's reputation for producing exceptional wines, working closely with the cellar master to achieve specific quality targets. This is a challenging and rewarding role for a seasoned professional passionate about the art and science of winemaking from grape to glass.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term vineyard management strategies to enhance grape quality and yield for premium wine production.
• Oversee all vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, canopy management, irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease control.
• Conduct detailed soil and water analysis, implementing tailored management programs to optimize vine performance.
• Lead and mentor a team of vineyard staff, ensuring high standards of work execution and adherence to safety protocols.
• Implement and manage sustainable viticultural practices, focusing on soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation.
• Monitor vineyard health using advanced diagnostic tools and techniques, and proactively address any issues.
• Manage harvest logistics, ensuring timely and efficient collection of grapes at optimal ripeness.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets the specific requirements for various wine styles.
• Maintain comprehensive records of vineyard performance, inputs, and costs for strategic decision-making.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science field is essential.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in viticulture and vineyard management, preferably in premium wine regions.
• Proven expertise in grapevine physiology, soil science, climate analysis, and integrated pest management.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large vineyard blocks and leading vineyard teams.
• Strong knowledge of South African viticultural practices and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and be comfortable working in dynamic outdoor vineyard environments in and around Stellenbosch .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including significant performance bonuses linked to grape quality and vineyard success.
• Employees receive comprehensive medical aid, a retirement fund, and generous annual leave.
• Opportunities for international study tours and professional development in leading viticulture regions are available.
• This role provides the chance to manage iconic vineyards in the world-renowned Western Cape wine region, with access to cutting-edge research and technologies.
• The estate is committed to excellence and offers a supportive and dynamic work environment.