Viticulturist - Vineyard Management Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement planning

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Viticulturist based near Paarl in the Western Cape to manage premium vineyards for a renowned wine estate. You will drive cultivar knowledge, soil health, pest management, and efficient irrigation while leading a team of vineyard staff.

Responsibilities include planning harvests, coordinating with winemaking, maintaining records, and ensuring regulatory and quality standards are met.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of vineyard management experience with high-quality grape production.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varieties, soils, climate impacts, and vineyard design.
• Strong pest, disease, and weed control methods in viticulture.
• Experience with irrigation management and nutrient analysis.
• Excellent leadership, team management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard management from soil prep to harvest.
• Develop plans to optimize grape quality, yield and vineyard longevity.
• Monitor vineyard health including IPM for pests and diseases.
• Manage irrigation to meet vine water needs and conditions.
• Record vineyard inputs, yields and quality assessments.
• Supervise and train vineyard staff and ensure safety compliance.
• Coordinate harvest operations and align practices with winemaking goals.
• Collaborate with the winemaking team on style and quality targets.

Skills

Vineyard management

IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

Irrigation management

Soil & leaf analysis

Staff supervision

Team leadership

Communication

Vineyard software

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agronomy

Tools

Vineyard management software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role Our client, a renowned estate in the heart of the Western Cape 's wine region, is seeking a passionate and experienced Viticulturist to manage their premium vineyards. This role within the Agriculture & Forestry sector is crucial for maintaining and enhancing the quality of grapes produced, ensuring optimal vineyard health, and implementing sustainable viticultural practices. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of grape varietals, soil science, pest and disease management, and irrigation techniques specific to winemaking grapes. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the vineyards, leading a team of vineyard workers, and working closely with the winemaking team to achieve excellence in wine production. Based in the picturesque Paarl area, this position offers a unique opportunity to blend agricultural expertise with the art of winemaking.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard management, from soil preparation and planting to canopy management and harvesting.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans to optimize grape quality, yield, and vineyard longevity.
• Monitor vineyard health, including pest and disease identification and management using integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water supply based on vine needs and environmental conditions.
• Conduct regular soil and leaf analysis to inform fertilization and nutrient management strategies.
• Supervise and train vineyard staff, ensuring efficient execution of tasks and adherence to safety protocols.
• Plan and coordinate grape harvesting operations to ensure optimal ripeness and quality.
• Work collaboratively with the winemaking team to align vineyard practices with desired wine styles.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, inputs, yields, and quality assessments.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural regulations, environmental standards, and quality certifications.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related agricultural science field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in vineyard management, with a proven track record of producing high-quality grapes.
• In-depth knowledge of grape varietal characteristics, soil types, climate impacts, and vineyard design.
• Strong understanding of pest, disease, and weed control methods in viticulture.
• Experience with irrigation management and nutrient analysis.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in using vineyard management software and standard office applications.
• Ability to work effectively in both outdoor vineyard environments and in an office setting.
• A valid driver's license is required for managing vineyard sites in and around Paarl, Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and retirement planning. This role provides opportunities for professional development and engagement with world-class winemaking and viticulture practices. You will be part of a prestigious estate in the renowned Western Cape wine region, offering a unique lifestyle. Join a dedicated team committed to producing exceptional wines through meticulous vineyard management.