Viticulturist

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 380,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing assistance

Health and wellness benefits

Access to premium winemaking resources

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Viticulturist to manage premium wine grape vineyards around Durban. You will oversee soil prep, planting, canopy management, irrigation, and harvesting to ensure high-quality fruit for winemaking.

Collaborate with winery production teams, monitor vine health, and implement pest management. The ideal candidate has a degree in viticulture or related field and at least four years of hands-on vineyard experience in the Durban region.

Qualifications

• Degree in viticulture, agricultural science, oenology or related field.
• Minimum of 4 years hands-on vineyard management experience.
• In-depth knowledge of grape physiology, soil science and IPM.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management strategies to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Monitor vine health, irrigation, pruning, fertilization, and pest control.
• Collaborate with winemakers to determine harvest times and grape specs.
• Maintain records of vineyard activity, costs and yields.
• Oversee vineyard labor and ensure adherence to best practices.

Skills

Vineyard management

Pest & disease control

Irrigation management

Data analysis

Education

Degree in Viticulture, Agricultural Science, Oenology, or related field

Tools

Vineyard equipment

Job description

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Viticulturist to manage their vineyards, focusing on the cultivation of premium wine grapes in the fertile regions surrounding Durban. This role demands a blend of scientific knowledge, practical vineyard management experience, and a passion for wine production. You will be responsible for every stage of grape growing, from soil preparation and vine planting to canopy management, pest control, and harvesting, ensuring the highest quality fruit is produced for winemaking. The successful candidate will work closely with the winery's production team, contributing to the distinctive character and quality of the final product, and playing a key role in the sustainability and success of the winery's operations in KwaZulu-Natal.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management strategies to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Manage all aspects of vine health, including irrigation, fertilization, pruning, pest and disease control tailored to the Durban region's climate.
• Monitor soil conditions, weather patterns, and vine growth to make informed management decisions.
• Oversee vineyard labor, ensuring efficient execution of tasks and adherence to best practices.
• Collaborate with winemakers to determine optimal harvest times and grape specifications.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, input costs, and yield data.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Agricultural Science, Oenology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of hands‑on experience in vineyard management.
• In‑depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, and integrated pest management.
• Experience with vineyard equipment operation and maintenance.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data for decision‑making.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance‑based incentives.
• Housing assistance or a dedicated farm dwelling.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Access to premium winemaking facilities and educational resources.
• A unique opportunity to be part of a respected wine‑producing estate in the Durban area.