Viticulture and Oenology Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybride; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary with incentives

Hybrid work arrangement

International exposure in the wine行业

Wine allowance and staff discounts

Résumé du poste

Placements24 seeks a Viticulture and Oenology Specialist in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The role blends on-site vineyard and winery management with remote analytics. You will guide grape quality, oversee fermentation, and lead field and cellar operations to sustain product excellence.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years dual experience, strong analytical skills, and leadership capabilities to drive quality and innovation in a renowned winery.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agricultural Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in vineyard management and winemaking.
• Strong knowledge of Western Cape grape growing conditions and wine production processes.

Responsabilités

• Manage all vineyard operations: pruning, canopy management, irrigation, pest/disease control.
• Monitor grape development and determine harvest times via scientific analysis and sensory evaluation.
• Oversee winemaking from fermentation to aging and bottling with emphasis on quality and consistency.
• Conduct regular wine analysis including chemical and sensory evaluations.
• Implement quality control standards across vineyard and winery operations.
• Lead vineyard and cellar staff with training and supervision.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and environmental regulations.
• Manage inventory of grapes, wine, and supplies.
• Collaborate with sales/marketing on wine styles and new products.
• Research and implement innovative viticulture and oenology techniques to improve quality.

Connaissances

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

Analytical thinking

Formation

Degree in Viticulture/Oenology/Agricultural Science

Outils

Wine analysis techniques

Laboratory procedures

Vineyard management software

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a renowned vineyard and winery, is looking for an experienced Viticulture and Oenology Specialist to join their esteemed team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, ZA. This position operates on a hybrid model, combining essential on-site vineyard and winery management with remote administrative and analytical responsibilities. The specialist will be responsible for overseeing grape cultivation practices to ensure optimal quality and flavor profiles, as well as contributing to the winemaking process. This role requires a blend of scientific knowledge in viticulture and oenology, practical winemaking skills, and the ability to manage both field and cellar operations. You will play a key role in maintaining the exceptional reputation of the winery's products within the competitive Agriculture & Forestry landscape. The ideal candidate has a passion for wine and a proven ability to manage complex processes from grape to bottle.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of vineyard operations, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and pest/disease control.
• Monitor grape development, determining optimal harvest times based on scientific analysis and sensory evaluation.
• Oversee the winemaking process, from fermentation to aging and bottling, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Conduct regular wine analysis, including chemical and sensory evaluations.
• Implement and maintain quality control standards throughout the vineyard and winery.
• Manage vineyard and cellar staff, providing training and supervision.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including food safety and environmental standards.
• Manage inventory of grapes, wine, and supplies.
• Collaborate with the sales and marketing team on wine styles and new product development.
• Research and implement innovative viticultural and oenological techniques to improve grape and wine quality.

Requirements

• A degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agricultural Science, or a related field within Agriculture & Forestry.
• A minimum of 5 years of practical experience in both vineyard management and winemaking.
• Strong understanding of grape growing conditions and challenges specific to the Western Cape, ZA region.
• Proficiency in wine analysis techniques and laboratory procedures.
• Experience with cellar operations, fermentation management, and wine stabilization.
• Knowledge of wine marketing and consumer trends is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, in both field and cellar settings.
• Proficiency in relevant software for vineyard and cellar management.
• Valid driver's license required for vineyard site visits and wine-related travel.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance incentives.
• Opportunities for professional growth and international exposure in the wine industry.
• Access to premium winemaking facilities and cutting-edge agricultural technology.
• Generous wine allowance and staff discounts.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering work-life balance.
• Be part of a prestigious and highly respected winery in the Agriculture & Forestry sector.
• Contribution to the production of award-winning wines.
• A dynamic and passionate team environment.