Viticulturist - Premium Wine Estate

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 580,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a distinguished premium wine estate near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, in hiring a Viticulturist to manage and enhance world-class vineyards. You will oversee soil prep, vine health, canopy management, irrigation, pruning, and harvest optimization, aligning viticultural practices with winemaking goals.

The role is on-site with a hybrid option for focused planning. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's or Master's in Viticulture or related field, with at least 5 years in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of viticulture experience in premium wine production.
• Strong understanding of vine physiology, soil science, and cool-climate viticulture.
• Experience with vineyard mapping, data analysis, and precision agriculture tools.
• Proven ability to manage vineyard operations and a team.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Passion for wine and producing high-quality grapes.
• Familiarity with Eastern Cape viticulture conditions.
• Willingness to work on-site with some hybrid arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Monitoring vine health, soil conditions, and climate data to inform management decisions.
• Managing irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest/disease control strategies.
• Overseeing vineyard operations, including planting, grafting, and canopy management.
• Coordinating vineyard activities with the winemaking team to align with vintage goals.
• Managing vineyard staff, ensuring efficient work practices and safety.
• Conducting research and trials on new grape varieties, rootstocks, and viticultural techniques.
• Maintaining detailed records of vineyard activities and performance.
• Ensuring compliance with sustainable viticultural practices and relevant regulations.

Skills

Viticulture

Vine physiology

Soil science

Data analysis

Team leadership

Communication

Education

BSc in Viticulture

MSc in related field

Tools

GIS mapping

Precision agriculture tools

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished premium wine estate located near Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, is seeking an exceptional Viticulturist to manage and enhance their world-class vineyards. This role is critical for ensuring the production of high-quality grapes that form the foundation of their award-winning wines. You will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard management, from soil preparation and vine health to canopy management and harvest optimization. The position requires a blend of scientific knowledge, practical vineyard experience, and a passion for winemaking excellence. While the role is primarily on-site, there will be opportunities for hybrid work, allowing for focused analysis and planning. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated viticulturist to join a renowned estate in the picturesque Eastern Cape and contribute to its legacy of producing outstanding wines.

Key Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Monitoring vine health, soil conditions, and climate data to inform management decisions.
• Managing irrigation, fertilization, pruning, and pest/disease control strategies.
• Overseeing vineyard operations, including planting, grafting, and canopy management.
• Coordinating vineyard activities with the winemaking team to align with vintage goals.
• Managing vineyard staff, ensuring efficient work practices and safety.
• Conducting research and trials on new grape varieties, rootstocks, and viticultural techniques.
• Maintaining detailed records of vineyard activities and performance.
• Ensuring compliance with sustainable viticultural practices and relevant regulations.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in viticulture, preferably within a premium wine production environment.
• Strong understanding of vine physiology, soil science, and cool-climate viticulture principles.
• Experience with vineyard mapping, data analysis, and precision agriculture tools.
• Proven ability to manage vineyard operations and a team of vineyard workers.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for wine and a commitment to producing high-quality grapes.
• Familiarity with the unique viticultural conditions of the Eastern Cape region is a plus.
• Willingness to work on-site with some flexibility for hybrid arrangements.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions. You will be part of a prestigious wine estate with a strong reputation for quality and innovation. This role provides a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful setting and contribute to the creation of exceptional wines. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid work arrangement that balances on-site vineyard management with focused planning and analysis, all within the stunning Eastern Cape.