Viticulturist - Vineyard Management Specialist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary reflecting vineyard

State-of-the-art vineyard equipment

Employee wine discounts

Health and wellness programs

Paid annual leave and holidays

Pension fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Viticulturist for an on-site role in the Cape Town region. You will manage all vineyard activities, from soil prep and planting to harvest planning, applying sustainable practices and ensuring high-quality grape production.

You will lead a team, monitor vine health, and collaborate with winemaking to meet quality targets. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in premium wine regions and a passion for terroir-driven viticulture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Horticulture, Soil Science, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on vineyard management experience.
• Deep knowledge of grape varietals and terroir-driven cultivation.
• Experience with soil health, irrigation, pest and disease management.
• Ability to lead and train vineyard staff.
• Proficient in vineyard mapping and data management software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day vineyard operations including irrigation, fertilization, pruning, canopy management.
• Monitor vine health through regular vineyard walks.
• Plan and supervise new plantings, grafting, and rootstock selection.
• Implement sustainable viticulture practices.
• Collaborate with winemaking team to align harvest timing.
• Maintain records of soil tests, pest incidences, and yields.
• Manage vineyard staff with training and supervision.
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Observation skills

Independent work

Outdoor work

Data management

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture/Horticulture/Soil Science

Tools

Vineyard mapping software

Data management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned vineyard and winery operation situated in the picturesque region of Cape Town, Western Cape , is actively seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Viticulturist. This role is crucial for overseeing all aspects of vineyard management, from soil preparation and planting to grape cultivation and harvest. The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for viticulture, exceptional attention to detail, and a commitment to producing premium quality grapes. You will be instrumental in ensuring the health, productivity, and sustainability of our client's esteemed vineyards. This is an on-site position requiring hands-on involvement in a beautiful and agriculturally rich environment. You will have the opportunity to work with a team of passionate professionals dedicated to the art and science of winemaking, contributing to the reputation of one of South Africa 's premier wine regions. The specific challenges and opportunities presented by the unique terroir of Cape Town will be central to the role's focus.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day vineyard operations, including irrigation, fertilization, pruning, canopy management, and pest/disease control for diverse grape varietals.
• Conduct regular vineyard walks to assess vine health, soil conditions, and identify any emerging issues or threats.
• Plan and supervise vineyard development projects, including new plantings, grafting, and rootstock selection based on varietal suitability and terroir analysis.
• Implement and monitor sustainable viticultural practices to enhance vineyard longevity, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.
• Oversee the application of agrochemicals and other treatments in compliance with all relevant regulations and safety standards.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaking team to understand grape quality requirements and harvest timing to optimize flavour profiles.
• Manage vineyard staff, providing training, supervision, and performance feedback to ensure efficient and high- quality work execution.
• Maintain detailed records of all vineyard activities, including soil and tissue analysis, pest and disease incidence, and yield data.
• Stay current with advancements in viticulture research, technology, and best practices relevant to the Western Cape climate and soil conditions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Viticulture, Horticulture, Soil Science, or a related agricultural field.
• A minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience in vineyard management, preferably within a premium wine‑producing region.
• In‑depth knowledge of grape varietals, their cultivation requirements, and optimal growing conditions.
• Strong understanding of soil health, irrigation systems, pest and disease management strategies, and sustainable farming principles.
• Proficiency in vineyard mapping and data management software.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong observational skills and a keen eye for detail in assessing vine health and grape quality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in an outdoor, field‑based environment.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to operate farm machinery.

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflecting expertise and experience in viticulture.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art vineyard equipment and technology.
• Opportunity to work with acclaimed grape varietals and contribute to award‑winning wines.
• Employee discount on wine purchases.
• Health and wellness programs.
• Paid annual leave and company holidays.
• A supportive and passionate work environment dedicated to quality and excellence in winemaking.
• Professional development opportunities within the wine industry.
• Pension fund contributions.