Viticulture and Winery Operations Manager

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Health insurance and retirement plan

Wine allowance and staff discounts

Professional development support

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Viticulture and Winery Operations Manager for a renowned winery in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. This role oversees vineyard management from planting to harvest and cellar operations from fermentation to bottling, ensuring the highest quality standards at every stage.

You will lead and develop vineyard and cellar teams, manage budgets, and drive production efficiency, staying current with viticulture and oenology advances while ensuring regulatory compliance and safe,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Viticulture, Oenology, Agricultural Science, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive viticulture and winery operations experience.
• Strong knowledge of grape growing, soil health, and pest management.
• Experience leading teams and managing budgets in production settings.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vineyard management from planting to harvest to ensure grape quality.
• Manage cellar operations, including fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling.
• Develop operational plans, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Lead and mentor vineyard and cellar staff for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, hygiene and environmental regulations.
• Collaborate with winemaking team on styles, quality objectives, and new products.
• Maintain vineyard and winery equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Stay updated on viticulture and oenology advancements.

Skills

Viticulture

Oenology

Team leadership

Budgeting

Quality management

Regulatory compliance

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Viticulture/Oenology/Agricultural Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned winery in the picturesque region of Mossel Bay, Western Cape , is seeking a highly experienced and passionate Viticulture and Winery Operations Manager . This multifaceted role encompasses the entire lifecycle of winemaking, from vineyard management and grape cultivation to cellar operations and production oversight. You will be responsible for ensuring the highest quality standards are met at every stage, leading vineyard teams, managing cellar staff, optimizing production processes, and contributing to the winery's reputation for excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in viticulture and oenology, exceptional leadership skills, and a deep understanding of wine production. This is a unique opportunity to manage operations in one of South Africa's celebrated wine-producing areas, driving innovation and quality in every bottle produced. You will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the winery's acclaimed status.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard management, including planting, pruning, canopy management, pest and disease control, and harvesting, to ensure optimal grape quality.
• Manage cellar operations, including fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling, adhering to stringent quality control measures.
• Develop and implement vineyard and winery operational plans, budgets, and resource allocation strategies.
• Lead, train, and mentor vineyard and cellar staff, fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Monitor grape maturation and determine optimal harvest times based on viticultural and oenological parameters.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, hygiene, and environmental regulations in the vineyard and cellar.
• Manage inventory of grapes, wine, and winemaking supplies, ensuring efficient stock control.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team on wine styles, quality objectives, and new product development.
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of vineyard and winery equipment.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in viticulture, oenology, and wine production technology.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Oenology, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in viticulture and winery operations management, with a proven track record of producing high-quality wines.
• In-depth knowledge of grape growing techniques, soil health, and pest management specific to wine grapes.
• Comprehensive understanding of fermentation processes, wine stabilization, aging, and bottling procedures.
• Experience with managing teams and supervising staff in an agricultural or production setting.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and cost control.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication abilities.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and regulatory compliance in the wine industry.
• Passion for wine and a commitment to excellence in winemaking.

Benefits

• A competitive salary and performance-driven bonus structure.
• Hybrid work environment balancing operational demands with personal flexibility.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunity to work within a prestigious winery in the beautiful Western Cape .
• Generous wine allowance and staff discounts.
• Support for professional development and industry networking.