Viticulture Specialist - Vineyard Management

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Viticulture Specialist for a prestigious wine estate near Paarl, Western Cape. The role blends on-site vineyard leadership with occasional remote administration to support sustainability and efficiency.

You will oversee planting, canopy management, pest control, irrigation, harvesting, and team supervision to ensure premium grape quality for winemaking, while collaborating closely with winemaking and estate operations.

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Viticulture or related agricultural discipline.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations including planting, pruning, training, canopy management, and trellising.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies.
• Manage irrigation systems to optimize water use and vine performance.
• Monitor soil health, nutrient levels, and vine phenology.
• Plan and supervise harvesting operations for optimal grape quality.

Skills

Vineyard management

Pest & disease control

Irrigation management

Canopy management

Team leadership

Education

Master's or Bachelor's degree in Viticulture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate located near **Paarl, Western Cape**, is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Viticulture Specialist to lead their vineyard management operations. This hybrid role involves a significant on-site presence essential for overseeing vineyard health, grape quality, and operational efficiency, with some flexibility for remote administrative tasks. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of viticultural science, grape growing best practices, and the unique terroir of the Western Cape wine region. You will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard management, from planting and canopy management to pest control, irrigation, and harvesting, ensuring the production of premium quality grapes for winemaking. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in one of South Africa's most renowned wine-producing areas, contributing directly to the creation of award-winning wines. You will manage a team of vineyard workers, implement innovative viticultural techniques, and ensure the sustainable health and productivity of the vineyards. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining and enhancing the reputation of the estate's wines.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily operations within the vineyards, including planting, pruning, training, canopy management, and trellising.
• Develop and implement integrated pest and disease management strategies to ensure vineyard health.
• Manage irrigation systems to optimize water use and vine performance.
• Monitor soil health, nutrient levels, and vine phenology throughout the growing season.
• Plan and supervise harvesting operations to ensure optimal grape quality and ripeness.
• Manage vineyard labor, providing training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Implement sustainable viticultural practices to minimize environmental impact.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure grape quality meets winemaking requirements.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, and yields.

Requirements

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related agricultural discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in vineyard management, with a strong understanding of grape growing specific to the South African climate and soil conditions.
• In-depth knowledge of vine physiology, pest and disease control, irrigation management, and harvesting techniques.
• Proven experience in managing vineyard teams and operations.
• Familiarity with sustainable viticulture practices.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing on-site and remote responsibilities.
• A passion for wine and grape production.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance incentives.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive medical aid and a retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending industry conferences and workshops, are provided.
• The role offers a blend of on-site responsibilities in the beautiful **Paarl, Western Cape** region and the flexibility of some remote work.
• Access to state-of-the-art vineyard resources and the chance to work within a renowned wine estate are key advantages.
• A housing allowance or on-site accommodation may be provided.

Join a team dedicated to producing world-class wines through exceptional viticultural practices.