Senior Winemaker

wine.co.za; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing

Job summary

Bonnievale Wine Group in Robertson is seeking a Senior Winemaker to lead winemaking operations at the Wandsbeck Cellar. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, interpersonal skills and a passion for quality.

You will oversee the full winemaking process, plan grape intake, supervise cellar staff, conduct tastings, maintain records, and engage with partners across the industry. Housing is included with a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Viticulture and/or Oenology.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Proven experience in a winemaking environment.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work under pressure during harvest periods.
• Willingness to work hours as per wine industry requirements.

Responsibilities

• Full process of winemaking and blending according to required standards.
• Planning and intake of wine grapes for bottling and bulk supply.
• Ensure optimal handling of wine to maintain quality standards.
• Supervise and lead cellar staff.
• Ensure effective team performance and development.
• Conduct wine tastings and quality evaluations.
• Engage with stakeholders, clients, and industry partners.
• Maintain accurate production and compliance records.
• Ensure cleanliness and proper upkeep of the cellar.
• Compile and submit production and operational reports.
• Provide insights and recommendations to management.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Quality control

Harvest planning

Team development

Education

Viticulture and/or Oenology qualification

Job description

Bonnievale Wine Group, currently has a position available for a Senior Winemaker to join their team at their Wandsbeck Cellar, based in Robertson. The ideal candidate is a driven individual with strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

The successful candidate will mainly be responsible for:

• Full process of winemaking and blending according to required standards
• Planning and intake of wine grapes for bottling and bulk supply
• Ensure optimal handling of wine to maintain quality standards
• Supervise and lead cellar staff
• Ensure effective team performance and development
• Conduct wine tastings and quality evaluations
• Engage with stakeholders, clients, and industry partners
• Maintain accurate production and compliance records
• Ensure cleanliness and proper upkeep of the cellar
• Compile and submit production and operational reports
• Provide insights and recommendations to management

Essential minimum qualifications, skills and experience:

• Relevant qualification in Viticulture and/or Oenology;
• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in a similar role;
• Proven experience in a winemaking environment;
• Strong leadership and organisational skills;
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality;
• Ability to work under pressure during harvest periods;
• Willingness to work hours as per wine industry requirements.

• In addition to a competitive salary, the package also includes housing.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If no feedback is received within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application was unsuccessful.