Viticulturist - Vineyard Management & Wine Production

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 invites a seasoned Viticulturist to join a premium vineyard near Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will manage vineyards to optimize grape yield and quality, applying sustainable and IPM practices.

Monitor soil, moisture, nutrients, and pests; supervise staff; and collaborate with the winemaker to meet production standards. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's or Master's in Viticulture or related field with at least six years of vineyard experience and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of viticulture experience with vineyard management.
• Strong knowledge of grape physiology, varietals, terroir, and IPM.
• Experience with irrigation systems and water management.
• Soil science understanding and data management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard management, including planting, pruning, training, canopy management, and yield optimization.
• Develop and implement sustainable and organic viticultural practices to enhance grape quality and vineyard health.
• Monitor vineyard conditions, including soil moisture, nutrient levels, and pest/disease pressure, and implement appropriate management strategies.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water use and vine health throughout the growing season.
• Conduct detailed analyses of grape maturity to determine optimal harvest times.
• Supervise vineyard staff, providing training on best practices, safety procedures, and quality control.
• Manage vineyard inputs, including fertilizers, cover crops, and pest/disease control agents.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaker to ensure that grape quality meets the specific requirements for wine production.
• Maintain accurate records of all vineyard activities, inputs, and yields for reporting and analysis in Vereeniging .

Skills

Grapevine physiology

IPM & pest management

Irrigation management

Soil science

Vineyard mapping & data

Leadership & team management

Communication

Education

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

Tools

GIS mapping

Irrigation automation systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished vineyard and winery operation located in the scenic region of Vereeniging , Gauteng , is actively seeking an experienced and passionate Viticulturist . This role is fundamental to the success of our wine production, focusing on the meticulous management of vineyards to ensure the highest quality grape yields. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of grapevine physiology, soil management, pest and disease control specific to viticulture, and sustainable vineyard practices. This is a prime opportunity for a skilled viticulturist to contribute significantly to a premium wine brand from the source in Vereeniging .

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of vineyard management, including planting, pruning, training, canopy management, and yield optimization.
• Develop and implement sustainable and organic viticultural practices to enhance grape quality and vineyard health.
• Monitor vineyard conditions, including soil moisture, nutrient levels, and pest/disease pressure, and implement appropriate management strategies.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water use and vine health throughout the growing season.
• Conduct detailed analyses of grape maturity to determine optimal harvest times.
• Supervise vineyard staff, providing training on best practices, safety procedures, and quality control.
• Manage vineyard inputs, including fertilizers, cover crops, and pest/disease control agents.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaker to ensure that grape quality meets the specific requirements for wine production.
• Maintain accurate records of all vineyard activities, inputs, and yields for reporting and analysis in Vereeniging .

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in viticulture, with a proven track record of successful vineyard management.
• Strong knowledge of grapevine physiology, grape varietals, and terroir.
• Expertise in pest and disease management in vineyards, including integrated pest management (IPM) techniques.
• Experience with vineyard irrigation systems and water management.
• Understanding of soil science and its impact on grape quality.
• Proficiency in vineyard mapping and data management tools.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage vineyard labor.
• A valid driver's license is required for this role based in Gauteng .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive health insurance.
• This role provides opportunities for professional development and engagement with leading experts in the wine industry.
• The position is based near Vereeniging , offering a chance to live and work in a picturesque setting.
• Join a winery that values quality, tradition, and innovation in winemaking from vineyard to bottle.