Viticulturist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary bonuses

Vineyard access

Health & retirement

Wine education

Prestigious estate

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a renowned vineyard in Stellenbosch to find a dedicated Viticulturist who will lead all vineyard operations and strive for top-quality grape production for winemaking.

The successful candidate will oversee pruning, irrigation, pest and disease control, harvest planning, soil/leaf analyses, and will stay informed on the latest viticulture research to support sustainable winemaking.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture or related field.
• Several years of hands-on vineyard management experience.
• Strong knowledge of grape varietals, rootstocks and clonal selection.
• Experience with sustainable viticulture and vineyard health management.
• Familiarity with soil science, irrigation and pest/disease control methods.

Responsibilities

• Manage pruning, canopy management, and shoot thinning.
• Oversee irrigation systems for optimal water usage.
• Implement integrated pest, disease, and weed control.
• Monitor vine growth, fruit development, and grape composition.
• Plan and manage harvest, coordinating picking schedules.
• Conduct soil and leaf tissue analyses for nutrient management.
• Stay updated on viticulture research and technologies.

Skills

Vineyard management

Data-driven decisions

Observation & monitoring

Sustainability practices

Education

Degree in Viticulture or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned vineyard in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is seeking a dedicated Viticulturist to join their team in Stellenbosch. This role is essential for managing the vineyard operations, ensuring the highest quality grape production for winemaking. You will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard management, from soil health and vine care to pest control and harvest planning. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of grape growing, climate science, and sustainable vineyard practices, contributing to the exceptional reputation of wines from the Stellenbosch region.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all vineyard activities, including pruning, canopy management, and shoot thinning.
• Oversee irrigation systems, ensuring optimal water usage for vine health and grape quality.
• Implement pest, disease, and weed control strategies using integrated management approaches.
• Monitor vine growth, fruit development, and grape composition throughout the growing season.
• Plan and manage the grape harvest, coordinating picking schedules and logistics.
• Conduct soil and leaf tissue analysis to inform nutrient management strategies.
• Stay updated on the latest research and technologies in viticulture and winemaking.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Several years of hands-on experience in vineyard management.
• Strong knowledge of grape varietals, rootstocks, and clonal selection.
• Expertise in sustainable viticultural practices and vineyard health management.
• Familiarity with soil science, irrigation techniques, and pest/disease control methods.
• Excellent observational skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions for optimal grape production in Stellenbosch.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-related bonuses.
• Access to world-class vineyards and winemaking facilities.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and wine education.
• A chance to work within a prestigious wine-producing estate in the beautiful Stellenbosch region.