Viticulturist - Wine Estate Operations

Placements24; Mossel Bay; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site accommodation

Competitive salary

Bonuses tied to yield

Access to advanced viticultural tech

Collaborative winemaking

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Viticulturist for a prestigious Mossel Bay wine estate. You will manage all vineyard operations, optimize grape quality and yield, and collaborate with the winemaker to meet wine specifications.

The ideal candidate holds a degree in Viticulture or Oenology, 3–5 years of hands-on vineyard experience, and a passion for sustainable practices. On-site housing may be available, and a competitive salary with bonuses is offered.

Qualifications

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of hands-on vineyard management experience.
• Strong knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, and pest/disease management.
• Experience with irrigation management and precision agriculture techniques.
• Familiarity with Western Cape viticulture challenges and opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage all vineyard operations, including pruning, trellising, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and climate data to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies tailored to the vineyard environment.
• Oversee vineyard labor, ensuring efficient execution of tasks and adherence to safety standards.
• Conduct research and implement new techniques to improve grape quality and sustainability.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaker to ensure grape specifications meet winemaking requirements.

Skills

Viticulture

Vineyard management

Pest and disease management

Irrigation management

Education

Degree in Viticulture/Oenology/Agriculture

Tools

Irrigation systems

Precision agriculture

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate in the Mossel Bay region, is seeking a skilled Viticulturist to manage its vineyards. This role is essential for ensuring the health, quality, and yield of the grapevines, ultimately impacting the final wine product. You will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard management, from soil preparation and planting to canopy management, pest and disease control, and harvesting. The ideal candidate will have a deep scientific understanding of viticulture, combined with practical experience in managing vineyards in a Mediterranean or similar climate. This position requires a passion for winemaking at its source and a commitment to sustainable vineyard practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage all vineyard operations, including pruning, trellising, irrigation, and fertilization.
• Monitor vine health, soil conditions, and climate data to optimize grape quality and yield.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies tailored to the vineyard environment.
• Oversee vineyard labor, ensuring efficient execution of tasks and adherence to safety standards.
• Conduct research and implement new techniques to improve grape quality and sustainability.
• Collaborate closely with the winemaker to ensure grape specifications meet winemaking requirements.

Requirements

• Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agriculture, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in vineyard management.
• Strong knowledge of grapevine physiology, soil science, and pest/disease management.
• Experience with irrigation management and precision agriculture techniques.
• Familiarity with the unique challenges and opportunities of viticulture in the Western Cape .

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential bonuses tied to grape quality and yield.
• On-site accommodation may be available.
• Opportunity to work with award-winning wines and innovative vineyard practices.
• Access to cutting-edge viticultural technology and research.
• A scenic and rewarding work environment in the beautiful Mossel Bay area.