Viticulture Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Professional development

Health and retirement benefits

Premium vineyard resources

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an expert Viticulture Specialist to lead vineyard operations in Stellenbosch, a renowned wine region. You will manage grape health, yield, and terroir optimization to produce premium wines.

The role requires an MSc/PhD in viticulture/oenology or related field and at least 7 years in commercial vineyard management, with hands-on leadership and data-driven decision making. You will stay at the forefront of precision viticulture, IPM, and climate-influenced wine quality,

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in viticulture/oenology or related field.
• 7+ years in commercial vineyard management.
• Knowledge of grape varietals, soils, and climate effects on wine quality.
• Experience with precision viticulture technologies.
• Strong analytical skills and data interpretation.
• Excellent leadership and communication; passion for winemaking.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations including pruning and canopy management.
• Monitor vine health, diagnose diseases, implement IPM strategies.
• Manage irrigation and soil nutrient programs for quality and yield.
• Conduct block analysis and recommend vineyard improvements.
• Supervise staff to ensure best practices and quality standards.
• Stay updated on viticulture research and innovations.

Skills

Vineyard management

Precision viticulture

IPM

Data analysis

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

MSc/PhD in Viticulture/Oenology/Plant Science or related

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks an expert Viticulture Specialist to manage and enhance their vineyard operations in the renowned wine-growing region of Stellenbosch . This role demands in-depth knowledge of grape cultivation, vineyard management, and terroir optimization to produce high-quality grapes for winemaking. You will be responsible for vineyard health, yield management, and implementing cutting-edge viticultural practices to ensure the success of the vineyards. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for enology and viticulture, contributing significantly to the prestige of wines from the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard management, including pruning, canopy management, and shoot thinning.
• Monitor vine health, diagnose diseases and pests, and implement integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Manage irrigation schedules and soil nutrient programs to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Conduct regular vineyard block analysis and provide recommendations for vineyard improvements.
• Supervise vineyard staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and quality standards.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in viticulture.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (M.Sc. or Ph.D.) in Viticulture, Oenology, Plant Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience in commercial vineyard management.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietals, soil types, and climate influences on wine quality.
• Experience with precision viticulture techniques and technologies.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with a passion for winemaking.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and industry recognition.
• Access to premium vineyard resources and experimental plots.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
• A leadership role in one of the world's most celebrated wine regions in Stellenbosch.