Viticulturist - Wine Estate Management

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit-sharing

On-site accommodation

Estate wines & hospitality benefits

International travel for events

Heritage estate setting

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a prestigious wine estate in Mossel Bay to find an accomplished Viticulturist who will lead vineyard operations from soil preparation through harvest, focused on premium grape production.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in viticulture or related field, with at least 6 years in viticulture, and a deep understanding of varietals, irrigation, pest management, and terroir-driven practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in viticulture, preferably within a wine estate setting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of grape varietals, rootstocks, and winemaking requirements.
• Experience with irrigation systems, pest and disease management, and vineyard mechanization.
• Strong understanding of terroir analysis and climate impact on grape quality.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, and canopy management.
• Monitor vine health, identify potential diseases or pest issues, and implement timely control measures.
• Manage soil health, conduct regular soil testing, and implement appropriate soil improvement strategies.
• Oversee the selection and planting of new vine varietals suited to the estate's terroir and market demands.
• Supervise vineyard staff, ensuring efficient labor management and adherence to quality standards.
• Work closely with the winemaker to understand grape quality requirements and tailor vineyard practices accordingly.
• Implement sustainable and environmentally friendly vineyard management techniques.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Terroir analysis

Climate management

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Viticulture/Horticulture/Agricultural Science

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate in Mossel Bay, is seeking an accomplished Viticulturist to lead their vineyard operations. This role involves the meticulous management of grape cultivation, from soil preparation and vine planting to harvesting, with a focus on producing premium quality grapes for fine wines. You will leverage your deep understanding of viticulture, soil science, and climate management to optimize vine health, yield, and grape quality. The successful candidate will be passionate about winemaking from the ground up and committed to sustainable, high-quality grape production in a unique terroir.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic vineyard management plans, including irrigation, fertilization, and canopy management.
• Monitor vine health, identify potential diseases or pest issues, and implement timely control measures.
• Manage soil health, conduct regular soil testing, and implement appropriate soil improvement strategies.
• Oversee the selection and planting of new vine varietals suited to the estate's terroir and market demands.
• Supervise vineyard staff, ensuring efficient labor management and adherence to quality standards.
• Work closely with the winemaker to understand grape quality requirements and tailor vineyard practices accordingly.
• Implement sustainable and environmentally friendly vineyard management techniques.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in viticulture, preferably within a wine estate setting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of grape varietals, rootstocks, and winemaking requirements.
• Experience with irrigation systems, pest and disease management, and vineyard mechanization.
• Strong understanding of terroir analysis and climate impact on grape quality.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with significant performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing.
• Luxury on-site accommodation and full use of estate amenities.
• Generous provision of the estate's finest wines and hospitality benefits.
• Opportunities for international travel for wine industry events and research.
• A unique and picturesque working environment with a rich heritage.