Vineyard Manager - Premium Winery

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site housing or housing allowance

Medical and retirement benefits

Bonus based on grape quality and yield

Professional development opportunities

Work with world-class varietals

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a distinguished Stellenbosch winery to recruit an expert Vineyard Manager. You will oversee premium vineyards, drive viticulture excellence, and lead a dedicated team to ensure top-quality grapes for award-winning wines.

Responsibilities include developing viticulture plans, monitoring soil and climate, managing budgets, and implementing sustainable farming practices, with opportunities for professional development and on-site housing where available.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agronomy or related field.
• 7+ years in vineyard management, preferably premium wine regions.
• Deep knowledge of grape varietals, soil science, irrigation and pest management.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, teams and operations.
• Experience with modern vineyard technologies and sustainable farming.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute viticulture plans including pruning, canopy management, irrigation and pest/disease control.
• Manage all vineyard operations to ensure high-quality grapes for winemaking.
• Oversee and train vineyard staff for safety and best practices.
• Monitor soil health, water needs and climate data to drive decisions.
• Manage budgets, resource allocation and capital expenditures.
• Champion sustainable and organic farming practices.

Skills

Viticulture

Oenology

Soil science

Irrigation

Pest management

Budget management

Team leadership

Data analysis

Education

Degree in Viticulture/Oenology/Agronomy

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished winery in the heart of the Stellenbosch region, is seeking an expert Vineyard Manager to oversee the cultivation and care of their premium vineyards. This role demands a deep understanding of viticulture, soil science, climate management, and sustainable farming practices to produce exceptional grape varietals. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated vineyard team, manage operational budgets, and implement cutting-edge techniques to ensure optimal grape quality and yield. This is a prime opportunity for a passionate viticulturist to contribute to the legacy of a renowned wine estate.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive viticulture plans , including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest/disease control strategies.
• Manage all aspects of vineyard operations, ensuring the highest quality of grapes are produced for winemaking.
• Oversee and train vineyard staff, ensuring efficient workflow, safety, and adherence to best practices.
• Monitor soil health, water requirements, and climatic conditions, making data-driven decisions.
• Manage vineyard budgets, including resource allocation, cost control, and capital expenditure planning.
• Implement and champion sustainable and organic farming practices to enhance vineyard health and environmental stewardship.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in vineyard management, preferably in a premium wine region.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietals, soil science, pest and disease management, and irrigation techniques.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, teams, and operational logistics effectively.
• Experience with modern vineyard technologies and sustainable farming methods.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and attractive bonus structure tied to grape quality and yield.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• On-site housing or housing allowance may be provided.
• Opportunities for professional development, including international study tours.
• A chance to work with world-class varietals and contribute to award-winning wines in the prestigious Stellenbosch winelands.