Vineyard Logistics & Delivery Driver

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 134,000 - 201,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Exposure to wine estate logistics

Seasonal bonuses

Professional development in viticuture

Job summary

Placements24 represents a prestigious wine estate in Paarl, Western Cape, seeking an experienced Vineyard Logistics & Delivery Driver. You will operate tractors and trailers to move grapes from vineyards to the winery and deliver cases to local distributors and clients.

The role rewards reliability, physical stamina and precise route planning, with emphasis on harvest timing, safety, and maintaining product quality across transit within the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Valid SA driver's license (Code 10 preferred) with a clean driving record.
• Experience driving tractors, trailers or similar agricultural/heavy vehicles.
• Familiarity with vineyard operations and winery logistics.
• Understanding of safe transport practices for agricultural produce and packaged goods.
• Good knowledge of the Paarl/Western Cape road network.
• Physical fitness for manual lifting and labor.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Reliability and a strong work ethic; long hours during harvest and peak delivery periods.
• Good communication and teamwork.
• Passion for the wine industry and commitment to quality.

Responsibilities

• Operate tractors and trailers for the transport of grapes from vineyards to the winery during harvest season.
• Ensure timely and efficient movement of grapes, adhering to strict schedules to maintain freshness and quality.
• Coordinate the loading and unloading of harvested grapes, working closely with vineyard and cellar teams.
• Transport finished wine products, cases, and pallets to designated local distributors, restaurants, and clients within the Western Cape region.
• Plan and optimize delivery routes to ensure timely and cost-effective distribution.
• Maintain all assigned vehicles and equipment in clean, safe, and operational condition, performing routine checks and reporting issues.
• Adhere to all road safety regulations and company policies during transport operations.
• Maintain accurate delivery logs, mileage records, and inventory records for transported goods.
• Assist with other logistical tasks within the vineyard and winery operations as needed, especially during peak seasons.
• Ensure the secure handling and transport of wine products to prevent damage or spoilage.

Skills

Driving tractors

Trailer driving

Time management

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking a dedicated and experienced Vineyard Logistics & Delivery Driver. This role is crucial for managing the efficient movement of grapes from vineyards to the winery, as well as coordinating the distribution of finished wine products to local distributors and clients. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of vineyard operations, winery logistics, and safe transport practices for both agricultural produce and bottled goods. You will be responsible for operating specialized vehicles, ensuring optimal timing for harvests, and maintaining the quality of products during transit. This position requires reliability, physical stamina, and a commitment to maintaining the high standards associated with the Paarl wine region. The successful applicant will play a key role in the estate's operational success from grape to glass.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate tractors and trailers for the transport of grapes from vineyards to the winery during harvest season.
• Ensure timely and efficient movement of grapes, adhering to strict schedules to maintain freshness and quality.
• Coordinate the loading and unloading of harvested grapes, working closely with vineyard and cellar teams.
• Transport finished wine products, cases, and pallets to designated local distributors, restaurants, and clients within the Western Cape region.
• Plan and optimize delivery routes to ensure timely and cost-effective distribution.
• Maintain all assigned vehicles and equipment in clean, safe, and operational condition, performing routine checks and reporting issues.
• Adhere to all road safety regulations and company policies during transport operations.
• Maintain accurate delivery logs, mileage records, and inventory records for transported goods.
• Assist with other logistical tasks within the vineyard and winery operations as needed, especially during peak seasons.
• Ensure the secure handling and transport of wine products to prevent damage or spoilage.

Requirements

• Valid South African driver's license (Code 10 preferred) with a clean driving record.
• Experience driving tractors, trailers, or similar agricultural/heavy vehicles.
• Familiarity with vineyard operations, harvesting processes, and winery logistics is highly desirable.
• Understanding of safe transport practices for agricultural produce and packaged goods.
• Good knowledge of the road network in and around Paarl and the broader Western Cape.
• Physical fitness and the ability to perform manual labor, including lifting and moving goods, as part of the role.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Reliability and a strong work ethic, with the ability to work extended hours during harvest and peak delivery periods.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with team members.
• A passion for the wine industry and a commitment to quality.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work within the scenic and renowned Paarl wine region.
• Competitive remuneration package based on experience.
• Exposure to all aspects of wine estate logistics, from vineyard to distribution.
• Potential for seasonal bonuses during peak periods.
• Contribution to the successful operation of a distinguished wine estate.
• Work environment that values tradition and quality.
• Development of specialized skills in viticultural and vinicultural logistics.