Vineyard Manager

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Housing allowance

Estate amenities

Wine tasting access

Medical aid

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a dedicated Vineyard Manager for a premium wine estate near Cape Town. You will lead day-to-day vineyard operations, focusing on vine health, canopy management, irrigation, and harvest planning to produce premium grapes for winemaking.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Viticulture or related field with at least four years of hands-on vineyard experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to sustainable viticulture and quality.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Horticulture, or related agricultural science.
• Minimum 4 years of vineyard management experience.
• Strong knowledge of Cape Town region grape varietals and cultivation.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard management, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Plan and execute grape harvesting to achieve optimal ripeness and quality standards.
• Manage vineyard staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Implement sustainable viticultural practices to ensure long‑term vineyard health and environmental stewardship.
• Monitor soil health and vine nutrition, implementing fertilization programs.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets specific wine style requirements.

Skills

Vineyard management

Irrigation & water management

Leadership & team management

Viticulture knowledge

Quality focus

Education

Degree in Viticulture or Oenology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a dedicated and skilled Vineyard Manager to lead their prestigious wine estate operations near Cape Town . This role is critical for maintaining and enhancing the quality of their grapes, from vine health to harvest optimization. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of vineyard activities, ensuring the production of premium fruit for winemaking. This is a hands-on position requiring deep knowledge of viticulture and a passion for producing world-class wines, set against the stunning backdrop of the Western Cape winelands.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard management, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Plan and execute grape harvesting to achieve optimal ripeness and quality standards.
• Manage vineyard staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Implement sustainable viticultural practices to ensure long‑term vineyard health and environmental stewardship.
• Monitor soil health and vine nutrition, implementing appropriate fertilization programs.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets specific wine style requirements.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Horticulture, or a related agricultural science.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in vineyard management.
• In‑depth knowledge of grape varietals and their cultivation specific to the Cape Town region.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management techniques.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage a diverse team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Accommodation may be provided on‑site or a housing allowance.
• Access to the estate's amenities and wine tasting.
• Opportunity to work with renowned winemakers and contribute to award‑winning wines.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid.