Viticulturist - Vineyard Management

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Wine product discounts

WSET training

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA is seeking an experienced Viticulturist to oversee vineyard operations, including planting, pruning, irrigation, pest control and harvesting for premium wine production.

You will lead a vineyard team, implement sustainable farming practices, analyze soil and water data, and coordinate with winemakers to drive high-quality grape production in a dynamic wine region.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science or related field.
• Proven vineyard management experience and knowledge of grape growing cycles.
• Experience with irrigation and water management; sustainable practices.
• Strong leadership and data-analysis abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans for irrigation, fertilization, and canopy control.
• Oversee all phases of grapevine growth from budburst to harvest.
• Monitor vineyard health, pests and diseases; implement control measures.
• Record and analyze vineyard data to inform decisions; supervise staff.
• Collaborate with winemakers to achieve desired grape characteristics.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and sustainable farming practices.

Education

Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science

Tools

Vineyard management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking an experienced and passionate Viticulturist to oversee vineyard operations in the scenic Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA region. This vital role involves managing all aspects of grapevine cultivation, from planting and pruning to pest control and harvesting, ensuring the production of high-quality grapes for premium wine production. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of viticultural science, climate adaptation, and sustainable farming practices. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a dedicated vineyard team and contribute to the world-renowned wine industry of Western Cape. You will be responsible for maintaining the health and productivity of our vineyards, implementing innovative techniques to optimize grape quality, and ensuring adherence to environmental standards. Your expertise will directly influence the success of our wine production, making this a highly rewarding position in Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, and canopy management.
• Oversee all phases of grapevine growth, from budburst to harvest.
• Monitor vineyard health, identify pests and diseases, and implement control measures.
• Conduct soil and water analysis to ensure optimal growing conditions.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training and supervision.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and sustainable farming practices.
• Record and analyze vineyard data to inform decision-making.
• Operate and maintain vineyard equipment efficiently.
• Collaborate with winemakers to achieve desired grape characteristics for winemaking.
• Contribute to research and development of new grape varietals suitable for the Cape Town climate.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in vineyard management, with a strong understanding of grape growing cycles.
• Knowledge of pests, diseases, and their management in vineyards.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management.
• Familiarity with sustainable and organic viticultural practices.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software and data analysis.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions in the Western Cape.
• Passion for wine and a commitment to producing exceptional grapes.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Employee discounts on wine products.
• Professional development opportunities and WSET training.
• A chance to work amidst stunning Western Cape landscapes.
• Opportunity to influence the quality of renowned wines from Cape Town.