Viticulturist - Premium Wine Estate

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Wine allowances

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 invites a seasoned Viticulturist to manage world-class vineyards in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead planting, pruning, canopy management and harvest planning, collaborating closely with the winemaking team to ensure superior grape quality.

The role requires 5+ years of hands-on viticulture, expertise in terroir and climate impacts, and a commitment to sustainable farming practices. A premium wine estate offers growth, development, and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Degree in viticulture, oenology, horticulture, agricultural science or related field.
• Minimum 5 years hands-on experience in viticulture, preferably premium wine regions.
• Knowledge of grape varietals, terroir and climate influence on wine quality.
• Experience with sustainable and/or organic farming practices.
• Strong irrigation, fertilization and pest/disease management knowledge.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in vineyard mapping and data management software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard management aspects: planting, pruning, canopy and trellis design.
• Develop and implement sustainable vineyard plans including irrigation and inputs.
• Monitor vine health and ripeness throughout the season with advanced techniques.
• Manage vineyard labor with training and supervision of staff.
• Implement IPM strategies to minimize chemical inputs.
• Conduct soil and tissue analyses to guide nutrient decisions.
• Collaborate with Head Winemaker on harvest timing and grape specs.
• Maintain vineyard equipment and safety procedures.
• Keep detailed records of inputs, yields and quality assessments.
• Stay updated on viticulture research and innovations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Data management

Viticulture knowledge

Education

Degree in Viticulture/Oenology/Horticulture/Agricultural Science

Tools

Vineyard mapping software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a historic and highly respected premium wine estate situated in the heart of Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking an accomplished Viticulturist. This is a rare opportunity for a passionate and detail-oriented individual to manage and cultivate the estate's world-class vineyards, ensuring the production of exceptional grapes for award-winning wines. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of viticultural science, soil health, climate management, and sustainable farming practices. You will be responsible for all vineyard operations, from planting and pruning to canopy management and harvesting, working closely with the winemaking team to achieve optimal grape quality. This role demands a blend of scientific expertise, practical agricultural skills, and a dedication to the art and science of winemaking. The stunning Paarl location provides an idyllic setting for this specialized role.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard management, including site selection, soil preparation, planting, and trellis system design.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, pest and disease control, and weed management, focusing on sustainable practices.
• Monitor vine health, grape development, and ripeness throughout the growing season using advanced techniques and technologies.
• Manage vineyard labor, providing training and supervision for seasonal workers and permanent staff.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management (IPM) strategies to minimize chemical inputs.
• Conduct regular soil and tissue analysis to inform nutrient management decisions.
• Work collaboratively with the Head Winemaker to determine optimal harvest timing and grape specifications.
• Manage vineyard equipment maintenance and ensure safe operational procedures.
• Maintain detailed records of all vineyard activities, inputs, yields, and quality assessments.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and innovations in viticulture, seeking opportunities for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in viticulture, preferably within a premium wine-producing region.
• Comprehensive knowledge of grape varietals, terroir, climate, and their influence on wine quality.
• Proven experience with sustainable and/or organic farming practices.
• Strong understanding of vineyard irrigation, fertilization, and pest/disease management techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard mapping and data management software.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with vineyard staff and the winemaking team.
• A deep passion for wine and winemaking, with a commitment to producing high-quality grapes.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary, commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive benefits including medical aid, a retirement fund, and generous wine allowances. This role provides the unique opportunity to work on a world-renowned wine estate in the beautiful Paarl valley, with access to cutting-edge viticultural practices and technologies. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and the chance to contribute to the creation of exceptional wines. We foster a collegial and passionate team environment dedicated to excellence in the Western Cape wine industry.