Viticulture & Oenology Apprentice

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Wine courses

Staff discount

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Viticulture & Oenology Apprentice for an estate in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will learn grape growing and winemaking from seasoned professionals, gaining hands-on experience in vineyard management and winemaking processes on a world-class estate.

The role offers mentorship, exposure to premium grape varietals, and training in sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices within South Africa’s renowned wine region.

Qualifications

• Matriculation certificate with interest in agriculture, botany, or science.
• Diploma in Agriculture, Viticulture, or Oenology is highly desirable.
• Genuine passion for wine and winemaking.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather, perform physical tasks.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn and follow instructions precisely.

Responsibilities

• Assist in vineyard operations: pruning, trellising, canopy management, pest/disease control.
• Participate in grape harvesting, selection, and analysis.
• Support winemaking: crushing, fermentation monitoring, blending, maturation.
• Conduct vineyard health assessments and soil sampling.
• Learn enological techniques under supervision.
• Assist with bottling, packaging, quality control procedures.
• Maintain records of vineyard activities and winemaking data.
• Operate and maintain vineyard and winery equipment.
• Engage in continuous learning about viticulture, oenology, and wine quality management.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate nestled in the scenic vineyards of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking an enthusiastic Viticulture & Oenology Apprentice to join their esteemed winemaking team. This apprenticeship provides an exceptional pathway for individuals passionate about viticulture (grape growing) and oenology (winemaking) to gain practical experience in one of South Africa's most prestigious wine regions. You will work alongside world-class viticulturists and winemakers, learning the intricacies of grape cultivation, vineyard management, and the art and science of winemaking from grape to bottle. This role is integral to maintaining the high quality and reputation of our client's award-winning wines.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in vineyard operations, including pruning, trellising, canopy management, and pest/disease control.
• Participate in grape harvesting, selection, and analysis.
• Support the winemaking process, including crushing, fermentation monitoring, blending, and maturation.
• Conduct regular vineyard health assessments and soil sampling.
• Learn and apply various oenological techniques under expert supervision.
• Assist with bottling, packaging, and quality control procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of vineyard activities and winemaking data.
• Operate and maintain vineyard and winery equipment.
• Engage in continuous learning about viticulture, oenology, and wine quality management.

Requirements

• A matriculation certificate with a strong interest in agriculture, botany, or science.
• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g., Diploma in Agriculture, Viticulture, or Oenology) is highly desirable.
• A genuine passion for wine and winemaking.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physical tasks.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn and follow instructions precisely.
• Knowledge of basic enological principles is a plus.

Benefits

This apprenticeship offers invaluable hands-on experience in both vineyard management and state-of-the‑art winemaking facilities. You will receive mentorship from leading figures in the wine industry, exposure to premium grape varietals, and comprehensive training in sustainable viticultural and winemaking practices. Our client offers a competitive apprenticeship salary, opportunities for international wine course participation, and staff discounts on wine purchases. The role is based on our beautiful estate in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , offering a unique lifestyle and career opportunity within a world-renowned wine region.