Viticulturist - Premium Vineyard Management

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Generous annual leave

Subsidized accommodation

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing a Viticulturist for a world-renowned winery estate near Cape Town. You will manage premium vineyards, driving soil preparation, vine health, canopy management and harvest quality to support award-winning wines.

You will lead vineyard operations, develop management plans, monitor irrigation and nutrition, and work with the winemaking team to align grape growing with wine styles. A Bachelor's (Master's preferred) and 5–7 years in viticulture are expected, with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 5-7 years hands-on viticulture experience, preferably in a cool-climate wine region.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, phenology, and common pests and diseases.
• Experience with precision viticulture techniques and vineyard mapping is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of irrigation systems, soil health management, and canopy management.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee health, growth, and productivity of all vineyard blocks, ensuring optimal grape quality for winemaking.
• Develop and execute vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, and pruning strategies.
• Conduct regular vineyard walks to assess vine vigor, yield potential, grape maturity, and identify any biotic or abiotic stresses.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training and supervision to ensure efficient and high-quality work execution.
• Implement and monitor sustainable and organic farming practices where applicable.
• Analyze soil and leaf tissue data to inform nutrient management programs.
• Coordinate with the winemaking team to align grape growing practices with desired wine styles.
• Maintain detailed records of all vineyard activities, inputs, and weather data.
• Stay current with the latest research and innovations in viticulture.

Skills

Vineyard management

Canopy management

Data analysis

Team leadership

Irrigation systems

Pest & disease control

Education

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Vineyard mapping

Soil analysis

Leaf tissue analysis

Data recording systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned winery estate, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Viticulturist to manage and enhance its premium vineyards near Cape Town . This role is critical to maintaining and elevating the quality of grapes produced, which are essential for the winery's award-winning wines. The Viticulturist will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard operations, from soil preparation and vine health to canopy management and grape harvesting. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate individual to work with state-of-the-art vineyard practices in a picturesque setting within the Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the health, growth, and productivity of all vineyard blocks, ensuring optimal grape quality for winemaking.
• Develop and execute vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, and pruning strategies.
• Conduct regular vineyard walks to assess vine vigor, yield potential, grape maturity, and identify any biotic or abiotic stresses.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training and supervision to ensure efficient and high-quality work execution.
• Implement and monitor sustainable and organic farming practices where applicable.
• Analyze soil and leaf tissue data to inform nutrient management programs.
• Coordinate with the winemaking team to align grape growing practices with desired wine styles.
• Maintain detailed records of all vineyard activities, inputs, and weather data.
• Stay current with the latest research and innovations in viticulture.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in viticulture, preferably in a cool-climate wine region.
• In-depth knowledge of grapevine physiology, phenology, and common pests and diseases.
• Experience with precision viticulture techniques and vineyard mapping is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of irrigation systems, soil health management, and canopy management.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive salary package with an annual salary between and ZAR , depending on experience and qualifications.
• comprehensive medical aid
• a provident fund
• generous annual leave
• subsidized accommodation on or near the estate
• Opportunities for international study tours and professional development within the wine industry are provided.
• The chance to work in a stunning natural environment and contribute to a legacy of excellence in Cape Town .