Vineyard Manager - Premium Wine Estates

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Híbrido; ZAR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Potential for subsidised accommodation

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 in Stellenbosch region seeks a seasoned Vineyard Manager to lead premium vineyards near Paarl in the Cape Winelands. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on on-site management to sustain award-winning grape quality.

You will direct canopy, irrigation, IPM, harvest logistics, and team leadership, collaborating closely with the winemaker while ensuring compliance and cost control in a hybrid work setup.

Formación

• Degree or diploma in Viticulture, Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field.
• 6+ years of progressive vineyard management experience with premium wine grape production.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietals, rootstocks and clonal selections suitable for the region.
• Proven experience with irrigation management, soil health, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Ability to plan and execute tasks effectively, both remotely and on-site.
• Familiarity with modern viticultural equipment and techniques.
• Understanding of South African wine industry regulations and quality standards.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within the Western Cape region.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard operations, including canopy management and shoot thinning.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans focusing on sustainability and grape quality.
• Manage irrigation schedules, fertilization, and IPM strategies.
• Lead, train, and supervise a team of vineyard workers.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and weather patterns; adjust practices as needed.
• Coordinate grape harvesting logistics to maintain quality from vineyard to winery.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, yields, and quality.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety and labour regulations.
• Collaborate with the winemaker to meet quality requirements.
• Manage vineyard budgets, control costs, and drive operational efficiency.

Conocimientos

Viticulture knowledge

Leadership

Team management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Remote coordination

Educación

Viticulture/Agri/Horticulture degree

Herramientas

Irrigation management

IPM knowledge

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished producer of premium wines, is seeking an accomplished Vineyard Manager to lead their esteemed vineyards located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, near Paarl, Western Cape . This role is vital for maintaining and enhancing the exceptional quality of their grape production, which forms the foundation of their award‑winning wines. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of viticulture, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep appreciation for the nuances of terroir. This hybrid role allows for strategic planning and administrative work remotely, complemented by essential on‑site management and oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard operations, including vineyard establishment, canopy management, shoot thinning, leaf removal, and cluster thinning.
• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans, focusing on sustainable practices and optimal grape quality.
• Manage irrigation schedules, fertilization programmes, and integrated pest and disease management strategies.
• Lead, train, and supervise a team of vineyard workers, ensuring efficient and effective execution of tasks.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, making timely adjustments to management practices.
• Manage the logistics of grape harvesting, ensuring quality is maintained from vineyard to winery.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, yields, and quality assessments.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including environmental, safety, and labour laws.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaker to understand quality requirements and grape characteristics.
• Manage vineyard budgets, control costs, and contribute to operational efficiency.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma in Viticulture, Agriculture, Horticulture, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in vineyard management, with a strong focus on premium wine grape production.
• In‑depth knowledge of various grape varietals, rootstocks, and clonal selections suitable for the region.
• Proven experience with irrigation management, soil health, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Ability to plan and execute tasks effectively, both remotely and on‑site.
• Familiarity with modern viticultural equipment and techniques.
• Understanding of South African wine industry regulations and quality standards.
• A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel within the Western Cape region.
• A passion for wine and a commitment to producing exceptional grapes.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, along with performance‑based bonuses. Benefits include medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and potential for subsidised accommodation. This role provides an exciting opportunity to manage exceptional vineyards in the renowned Paarl region, a hub for South African winemaking, offering a dynamic hybrid work environment.