Viticulturist

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive annual salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Access to vineyard equipment

Professional development & networking

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl seeks a dedicated Viticulturist to manage vineyards, overseeing all grape cultivation stages, soil health, irrigation, pest control and canopy management for premium grapes.

This hands-on role requires a degree in viticulture or related field and at least 3 years of experience in vineyard management, with strong knowledge of grapevine biology, soil science, and climate influences on quality.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of vineyard management experience.
• Knowledge of grapevine biology, soil science, and climate influences on grape quality.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planting, pruning, training, and canopy management in vineyards.
• Monitor vineyard health and implement IPM strategies against pests and diseases.
• Manage irrigation for optimal vine health and grape quality.
• Perform soil and vine assessments for nutrient levels and vigor.
• Coordinate vineyard activities with the winemaking team.
• Supervise vineyard labour for safe and efficient execution.

Skills

Viticulture knowledge

Pest & disease management

Irrigation systems

Soil science

Canopy management

Field observation

Education

Bachelor degree in Viticulture or related field

Tools

Irrigation equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Viticulturist to manage their vineyards in the renowned wine region near Paarl . This role involves overseeing all aspects of grape cultivation, from vineyard establishment and management to harvest, focusing on producing high-quality grapes for winemaking. You will be responsible for soil management, irrigation, pest and disease control, canopy management, and ensuring the health and vitality of the vines. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of grapevine physiology, soil science, and sustainable viticultural practices, coupled with a passion for winemaking quality. This is a hands‑on position crucial to the success of the winery's premium product offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, training, and canopy management.
• Monitor vineyard health, identify potential threats, and implement effective pest and disease control strategies.
• Oversee irrigation systems to ensure optimal water management for vine health and grape quality.
• Conduct regular soil and vine assessments to ensure optimal nutrient levels and vineyard vigor.
• Coordinate vineyard activities with the winemaking team to achieve desired grape characteristics.
• Manage vineyard labor, ensuring efficient and safe execution of tasks.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related agricultural field.
• Minimum of 3 years of practical experience in vineyard management.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine biology, soil science, and climate influences on grape quality.
• Experience with irrigation systems and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Strong observational skills and the ability to make informed decisions regarding vineyard interventions.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions in the Paarl region.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential for year-end bonuses.
• Health insurance benefits and a retirement savings plan.
• Access to state-of-the-art vineyard equipment and technology.
• Opportunities for professional development and wine industry networking.
• A unique opportunity to contribute to the creation of premium wines in a beautiful setting.