Viticulturist - Vineyard Management Expert

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Education opportunities

Industry seminars

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prestigious wine estate in Mossel Bay, Western Cape, to recruit a Viticulturist who will lead all vineyard operations, from soil prep to harvest. The role focuses on grape quality, canopy management, pest control, and water management to support premium wine production.

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture or related field, 5+ years in vineyard management, and strong IPM, irrigation, and data analysis skills, with a commitment to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Agricultural Science, Oenology, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years hands-on vineyard management experience.
• Proven expertise in grape cultivation, vine physiology, and wine grape quality assessment.
• Strong knowledge of vineyard pests, diseases, and IPM strategies.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management in viticulture.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software and data analysis.
• Deep understanding of the terroir and climate of the Western Cape wine regions.
• Commitment to sustainable viticultural practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Manage vine health including pruning, training, canopy management, and nutrition.
• Monitor vineyard pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies; implement control measures.
• Oversee irrigation scheduling and water management in viticulture.
• Conduct regular vineyard block assessments and record-keeping in Mossel Bay.
• Manage vineyard staff including hiring, training and supervision.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to align harvest timing with winery needs.
• Promote sustainable and organic farming practices within the vineyards.
• Stay abreast of research and innovations in viticulture.

Skills

Grape cultivation

IPM strategies

Irrigation management

Vineyard leadership

Data analysis

Terroir knowledge

Sustainable viticulture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Agricultural Science, Oenology, or related field

Tools

Vineyard management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate located in the heart of the Mossel Bay region, Western Cape , is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Viticulturist to lead their vineyard operations. This key role involves overseeing all aspects of grape cultivation, from soil preparation and vine planting to canopy management, pest control, and harvesting. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of viticultural science, a commitment to sustainable practices, and a proven ability to manage vineyard resources effectively to produce premium quality grapes for winemaking. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the reputation of a renowned wine producer in a picturesque setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Manage all aspects of vine health, including pruning, training, canopy management, and nutrition.
• Monitor vineyard conditions for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, implementing timely and effective control measures.
• Oversee irrigation scheduling and water management practices to ensure optimal vine hydration.
• Conduct regular vineyard block assessments and detailed record-keeping of all operations and observations in Mossel Bay .
• Manage vineyard staff, including hiring, training, and supervision, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety protocols.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaking team to understand grape quality requirements and ensure harvest timing aligns with winery needs.
• Implement and promote sustainable and organic farming practices within the vineyards.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and innovations in viticulture.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Agricultural Science, Oenology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in vineyard management.
• Proven expertise in grape cultivation, vine physiology, and wine grape quality assessment.
• Strong knowledge of vineyard pests, diseases, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management in viticulture.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software and data analysis.
• A deep understanding of the terroir and climate of the Western Cape wine regions.
• Commitment to sustainable viticultural practices.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical aid and a retirement fund. We are dedicated to fostering professional growth, providing opportunities for further education, attending industry seminars, and gaining exposure to international viticultural practices. This role offers the unique advantage of working in a beautiful wine-producing region, contributing to the creation of award-winning wines, and being part of a respected and established agricultural enterprise in ZA .