Viticulturist & Vineyard Manager

Placements24; Cape Town; Sur place; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 600 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Health insurance

Performance bonus

Retirement savings plan

Access to vineyard tech

Résumé du poste

Placements24 seeks an experienced Viticulturist & Vineyard Manager for a renowned wine estate near Cape Town. You will oversee grape cultivation, implement vineyard plans, supervise staff and collaborate with winemakers to achieve premium quality.

The role demands a Master’s in viticulture or related field, 6+ years in the field, expertise in IPM and sustainable farming, and strong leadership and analytics to drive excellence in the Cape Town wine region.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 6 years hands-on viticulture and vineyard management experience.
• Proven expertise in grape varietal selection, pest and disease management, IPM and sustainable farming.

Responsabilités

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans including pruning canopy management irrigation and nutrition.
• Monitor vineyard health, pests, diseases and environmental stressors; optimize ripeness and quality.
• Oversee grape harvesting operations and manage soil health and nutrient levels.
• Promote sustainable and biodynamic practices; supervise vineyard staff and safety protocols.
• Maintain records of vineyard activities, yield data and grape quality; collaborate with winemaking team.
• Manage vineyard equipment and infrastructure; contribute to planning for expansion and replanting.

Connaissances

Viticulture

Vineyard management

Pest & disease management

Leadership

Data management

Formation

Master's degree in Viticulture/Horticulture/Plant Science

Outils

Vineyard mapping software

Data management software

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate situated in the picturesque **Cape Town** region, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Viticulturist & Vineyard Manager. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of grape cultivation and vineyard management to produce premium quality grapes for world-class wines. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of viticultural science, soil health, pest management, and sustainable vineyard practices. You will be responsible for ensuring the health, productivity, and longevity of the vineyards, contributing directly to the estate's reputation for excellence. This position requires a hands-on approach, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for winemaking at its source. You will lead a dedicated vineyard team and work closely with the winery's winemakers to achieve optimal grape characteristics.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including pruning, canopy management, irrigation, and nutrition strategies. Monitor vineyard health, identifying and managing pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. Oversee grape harvesting operations, ensuring optimal ripeness and quality. Manage soil health and nutrient levels through regular testing and targeted applications. Implement sustainable and organic viticultural practices to minimize environmental impact. Manage and supervise vineyard staff, providing training and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Maintain accurate records of vineyard activities, yield data, and grape quality assessments. Collaborate with the winemaking team to understand desired grape profiles and tailor vineyard practices accordingly. Manage vineyard equipment and infrastructure, ensuring they are well-maintained and operational. Contribute to strategic planning for vineyard expansion and replanting initiatives.

Requirements

Master's degree or equivalent qualification in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field. Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in viticulture and vineyard management, preferably in a renowned wine-producing region. Proven expertise in grape varietal selection, vineyard establishment, and yield optimization. Strong knowledge of pest and disease management, including integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Familiarity with sustainable and biodynamic farming principles. Experience in managing vineyard teams and promoting a safe working environment. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with meticulous attention to detail. Proficiency in vineyard mapping and data management software. Strong communication and leadership abilities. Must be physically fit and able to work outdoors in various weather conditions typical of **Cape Town**.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, reflecting the importance of this role and the candidate's experience. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, a generous performance-based bonus structure, and a retirement savings plan. You will have access to state-of-the-art vineyard technology and the opportunity to work with exceptional grape varietals. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the **Cape Town** Winelands and the satisfaction of producing award-winning wines. Professional development opportunities, including international viticultural conferences, are available. Be part of a respected institution with a rich heritage in South African winemaking.