Vineyard Viticulture Manager — Lead Premium Cape Wines

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonuses

Medical aid and hospitalization

Annual leave and professional dev.

Relocation support

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a dedicated Horticultural Manager specialized in Viticulture to lead our celebrated vineyards near Cape Town. You will oversee all vine production cycles, promote sustainable practices, and guide a team of vineyard workers to achieve premium quality grapes.

The role requires extensive experience in cool-climate viticulture, irrigation and soil management, pest control, and collaboration with winemaking teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agriculture, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years vineyard management experience with focus on viticulture.
• Experience growing premium wine grape varietals for Western Cape.
• Strong knowledge of cool-climate viticulture, frost protection, canopy management.
• Experience leading teams in agricultural settings.
• Knowledge of irrigation scheduling, water conservation, and soil analysis.
• Familiarity with HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., or similar quality systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours in Cape Town area.

Responsibilities

• Manage all vineyard operations from planting to harvesting.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Oversee soil health, nutrient management, and irrigation systems.
• Implement IPM pest, disease, and weed control programs.
• Lead and train vineyard staff with focus on safety.
• Conduct regular vineyard inspections and record-keeping.
• Stay updated with viticulture and winemaking research.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to meet quality requirements.
• Manage budgets and resource allocation.

Skills

Vineyard management

Team leadership

IPM

Water management

Soil management

Canopy management

Pest and disease control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Irrigation scheduling software

Soil analysis tools

Job description

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a dedicated Horticultural Manager specialized in Viticulture to lead our celebrated vineyards near Cape Town. You will oversee all vine production cycles, promote sustainable practices, and guide a team of vineyard workers to achieve premium quality grapes.

The role requires extensive experience in cool-climate viticulture, irrigation and soil management, pest control, and collaboration with winemaking teams.