Viticulture Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance incentives

Company vehicle

Conference access

Wine allocation

Employee discounts

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, seeks a seasoned Viticulture Specialist to oversee vineyard management and grape production. You will work with winemakers to align grape quality with wine styles and enhance the estate's reputation for excellence.

The role requires expertise in grape growing, vineyard design, and sustainable practices to boost crop yield and quality, with responsibilities spanning pruning, irrigation, pest management, and data-driven vineyard performance reporting.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Viticulture, Enology or related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on vineyard management experience in Western Cape.
• Expert knowledge of grape varietals suitable for Cape Town climate.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations including pruning, canopy management, irrigation.
• Perform soil and tissue analyses and implement corrective measures.
• Monitor grape development and determine optimal harvest times.
• Apply sustainable and organic viticulture practices.
• Collaborate with winemakers to meet wine production goals.
• Maintain records of vineyard activities, yield, and costs.

Skills

Vineyard management

Grape physiology

Data analysis

Pest & disease control

Organic viticulture

Biodynamic viticulture

Education

Master's in Viticulture

Ph.D. in Viticulture/Enology

Tools

Vineyard mapping software

Data analysis tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a knowledgeable Viticulture Specialist to oversee vineyard management and grape production in the scenic region of Cape Town, Western Cape . This position is crucial for maintaining the quality and health of the vineyards, ensuring optimal grape varietal characteristics for premium wine production. You will work closely with winemakers to align grape quality with specific wine styles and contribute to the estate's reputation for excellence. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in grape growing, vineyard design, and sustainable practices to enhance crop yield and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of vineyard operations, including pruning, canopy management, pest and disease control, and irrigation specific to grapevines.
• Conduct regular soil and tissue analysis to monitor vineyard health and nutrient status, implementing corrective measures as needed.
• Monitor grape development, sugar levels, and phenolic ripeness to determine optimal harvest times.
• Implement and oversee sustainable and organic viticultural practices to minimize environmental impact.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets the requirements for specific wine production goals.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, yield, and costs, providing regular reports to management.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Viticulture, Enology, or a closely related agricultural science.
• A minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in vineyard management, preferably within the Western Cape wine region.
• Expert knowledge of various grape varietals suited for Cape Town 's climate and terroir.
• Familiarity with vineyard pest and disease management strategies, including organic and biodynamic approaches.
• Proficiency in vineyard mapping software and data analysis tools for vineyard management.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance incentives related to grape quality and yield.
• Access to a company vehicle for vineyard site visits.
• Opportunities to attend international wine and viticulture conferences.
• Generous wine allocation and employee discounts.
• A dynamic and scenic work environment within a renowned wine estate.