Vineyard Manager - Premium Wine Estate

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced Vineyard Manager to oversee extensive vineyards. You will drive viticulture strategy from soil management to harvest, ensuring high-quality grapes for premium wines.

Leadership of staff, budgets, and equipment, plus implementing sustainable practices, are key parts of this role. The ideal candidate holds a degree/diploma in viticulture or related field with 7+ years of progressive vineyard experience and strong knowledge of

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive vineyard management experience.
• Proven expertise in grape growing, varietal selection and yield optimization.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable farming practices.
• Experience with irrigation systems and soil science.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard plans focusing on quality and yield.
• Oversee pruning, trellising, irrigation, canopy management and pest control.
• Manage soil health, fertility and water strategies tailored to terroir.
• Coordinate harvest operations for optimal ripeness.
• Lead vineyard staff with training and performance evaluation.
• Maintain machinery safety and functionality.
• Adopt sustainable and organic farming practices.
• Collaborate with winemaker to meet grape quality standards.
• Manage budgets and procurement for vineyard operations.
• Monitor viticulture research and technology advances.

Skills

Viticulture expertise

Leadership

Canopy management

Irrigation management

Pest & disease control

Analytical skills

Education

Degree or Diploma in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agriculture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed wine estate renowned for its premium quality wines, is seeking an experienced and visionary Vineyard Manager to oversee its extensive vineyards in the heart of the Stellenbosch, Western Cape region. This pivotal role demands a deep understanding of viticulture, sustainable farming practices, and modern vineyard management techniques. The successful candidate will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of grape cultivation, from soil management and planting to canopy management, pest control, and harvesting, ensuring the highest quality fruit is produced for the estate's award-winning wines. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dedicated viticulturist to lead operations in one of South Africa's most prestigious winemaking areas, contributing significantly to the estate's reputation for excellence within the Leisure & Sports , hospitality, and agricultural sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans, focusing on quality, sustainability, and yield optimization.


• Oversee all viticultural activities, including pruning, trellising, irrigation, canopy management, and disease/pest control.


• Manage soil health, fertility, and water management strategies tailored to specific varietals and terroirs.


• Plan and coordinate all harvest operations, ensuring timely picking at optimal ripeness levels.


• Manage vineyard staff, providing training, supervision, and performance evaluation.


• Maintain and operate vineyard machinery and equipment, ensuring proper functionality and safety.


• Implement and monitor sustainable and organic farming practices to minimize environmental impact.


• Collaborate closely with the winemaker to ensure grape quality meets the estate's specific winemaking requirements.


• Manage vineyard budgets, resource allocation, and procurement of necessary supplies.


• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in viticulture research and technology.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in vineyard management, preferably within a premium wine estate.


• Proven expertise in grape growing, varietal selection, vineyard establishment, and yield optimization.


• Strong knowledge of sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.


• Experience with irrigation systems, pest and disease management, and soil science.


• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and supervise a diverse workforce.


• Proficiency in vineyard planning software and standard office applications.


• Strong understanding of the South African wine industry and the unique challenges of the Stellenbosch terroir.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.


• A passion for wine, viticulture, and producing exceptional quality grapes.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, reflective of the senior nature of this role and the expertise required, along with performance-based bonuses tied to grape quality and yield. Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided. Opportunities for professional development, including attendance at international viticulture conferences and workshops, are encouraged. Generous annual leave is granted, allowing for work-life balance in the beautiful Stellenbosch region. This role provides the immense satisfaction of contributing to the creation of world-class wines, access to cutting-edge viticultural technology, and the opportunity to live and work in a globally recognized wine-producing area within the broader Leisure & Sports and tourism landscape.