Viticulturist - Vineyard Operations Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation on or near the estate

Health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 represents a renowned wine estate in KwaZulu-Natal seeking a skilled Viticulturist to manage expansive vineyards on site. You will oversee soil prep, canopy management, irrigation, pest control and harvest planning to ensure top quality grapes for award-winning wines.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s or master’s in viticulture, 5+ years of vineyard experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and hands-on ability with vineyard management software.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in viticulture or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in vineyard management.
• Strong knowledge of grape physiology, soil science and pest management.
• Proven experience managing vineyard labor and operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual vineyard plans (pruning, canopy management, crop thinning).
• Monitor vine health, soil and pest/disease pressures with appropriate actions.
• Manage irrigation to optimize water status and grape quality.
• Oversee planting, trellising, weed control and fertilizer application.
• Supervise and train vineyard staff for safe, efficient work.
• Manage vineyard budget including labour, materials and equipment.
• Coordinate harvesting with the winemaking team for optimal maturity.
• Maintain records of yields, treatments and observations.
• Practice sustainable, environmentally friendly vineyard methods.
• Research new varietals and clones suitable for local terroir.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Vineyard management software

Education

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

Tools

Vineyard software/tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned wine estate situated in the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal region, is actively seeking a skilled and dedicated Viticulturist to manage their extensive vineyards. This is a critical on-site role focused on ensuring the highest quality grape production for their award-winning wines. The Viticulturist will oversee all aspects of vineyard management, from soil preparation and vine cultivation to pest control and harvesting. You will work closely with the winemaking team to ensure the grapes meet specific quality parameters and flavor profiles. This role demands a profound understanding of grape growing science, sustainable practices, and operational efficiency within a vineyard setting. The ideal candidate will be passionate about viticulture, possess excellent leadership abilities, and be committed to producing exceptional fruit that translates into superior wine.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual vineyard management plans, including pruning, canopy management, and crop thinning.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and pest/disease pressures, implementing appropriate management strategies.
• Manage irrigation systems to optimize vine water status and grape quality.
• Oversee all vineyard activities, including planting, trellising, weed control, and fertilizer application.
• Supervise and train vineyard staff, ensuring efficient and safe execution of tasks.
• Manage the vineyard budget, including labor, materials, and equipment costs.
• Coordinate harvesting operations to ensure optimal grape maturity and quality, working closely with the winemaking team.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, including yields, treatments, and observations.
• Implement and monitor sustainable and environmentally friendly vineyard practices.
• Conduct research on new varietals and clones suitable for the local terroir.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in vineyard management and viticulture.
• Strong knowledge of grape physiology, soil science, and pest and disease management specific to wine grapes.
• Proven experience in managing vineyard labor and operations.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in vineyard management software and tools.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Understanding of wine styles and their relationship to viticultural practices.
• Experience with irrigation management and precision viticulture techniques is a plus.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive salary and potential bonuses based on vineyard performance.
• Accommodation on or near the estate may be provided.
• Employees benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan and access to the estate's facilities.
• Opportunities for professional development, including wine industry conferences and workshops, are available.
• Paid annual leave and a supportive work environment within a prestigious wine estate are key benefits.