Viticulturist - Mossel Bay

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing provided

Housing allowance

Access to advanced vineyard equipment

Professional development opportunities

Travel to industry events

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay is seeking a Viticulturist to manage vineyards, overseeing soil health, vine wellness and harvest quality for winemaking. You will apply scientific principles and practical experience to maximize grape quality and sustainable productivity.

The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of grape varietals, climate influences and advanced viticultural techniques, guiding a dedicated team to deliver consistent quality in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on vineyard management experience.
• Deep knowledge of grapevine physiology, varietal characteristics and terroir.
• Experience with pest and disease control, irrigation, and soil science.

Responsibilities

• Oversee pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Monitor vine health and manage pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Manage soil health with regular analyses and improvement strategies.
• Implement sustainable viticultural practices for long-term viability.
• Track grape development and decide optimal harvest timing.
• Manage vineyard staff and ensure task execution and quality.

Skills

Vineyard management

Pest and disease control

Irrigation management

Soil science

Grapevine physiology

Team leadership

Education

Degree in Viticulture or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled Viticulturist to manage their vineyards in the picturesque region of Mossel Bay . This role is responsible for all aspects of grape cultivation, from soil management and vine health to optimizing grape quality for winemaking. You will employ scientific principles and practical experience to ensure the highest standards of vineyard productivity and sustainability. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of grape varietals, climate influences, and advanced viticultural techniques. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the production of exceptional wines in a renowned winemaking region, working with modern vineyard management practices and a dedicated team focused on quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Monitor vine health, identifying and managing pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Manage soil health, conducting regular analyses and implementing soil improvement strategies.
• Implement sustainable viticultural practices to ensure long-term vineyard viability and environmental stewardship.
• Track grape development and maturity, making critical decisions regarding optimal harvest timing.
• Manage vineyard staff, ensuring efficient execution of tasks and adherence to quality standards.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in vineyard management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of grapevine physiology , varietal characteristics, and terroir influences.
• Experience with pest and disease control, irrigation management, and soil science.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills related to vineyard challenges.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage vineyard personnel.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Provision of housing or housing allowance.
• Access to state-of-the-art vineyard equipment and technology.
• Opportunities for professional development and travel to industry events.
• Work amidst beautiful vineyards in the Western Cape .