Viticulturist - Wine Estates

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 960,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

International travel opportunities

State-of-the-art vineyard technology

Health and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a skilled Viticulturist to manage vineyards for prestige estates in the Bloemfontein vicinity. You will oversee grapevines from planting to harvest, focusing on quality, yield, and sustainable practices in the Free State wine region.

You will lead vineyard teams, work with winemakers to meet varietal specifications, and leverage state-of-the-art vineyard technology for optimal results. This is a career with international travel opportunities and a strong emphasis on quality.

Qualifications

• A degree in Viticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in viticulture and vineyard management.
• Knowledge of soil science, entomology, and plant pathology as applied to vineyards.
• Experience with vineyard technology and precision agriculture techniques.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including pruning, trellising, and canopy management.
• Monitor soil health, vine growth, and grape development throughout the season.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water availability for vines.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies to protect grape quality.
• Supervise vineyard staff, providing training on best practices and quality standards.
• Work closely with winemakers to achieve desired grape characteristics for specific wine varietals.

Education

Degree in Viticulture or Agricultural Science

Tools

Vineyard technology

Precision agriculture

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Viticulturist to manage vineyards for prestigious wine estates in the Bloemfontein vicinity. This role involves the comprehensive management of grapevines from planting to harvest, focusing on quality, yield, and sustainable practices. You will be responsible for vineyard health, pest and disease control, irrigation management, and ensuring the grapes meet the specific requirements for winemaking. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate viticulturist to contribute to the renowned wine-growing region of the Free State, working with a company that champions quality and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement vineyard management plans, including pruning, trellising, and canopy management.
• Monitor soil health, vine growth, and grape development throughout the season.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal water availability for vines.
• Implement integrated pest and disease management strategies to protect grape quality.
• Supervise vineyard staff, providing training on best practices and quality standards.
• Work closely with winemakers to achieve desired grape characteristics for specific wine varietals.

Requirements

• A degree in Viticulture, Agricultural Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in viticulture, with a strong understanding of grapevine physiology and vineyard management.
• Knowledge of soil science, entomology, and plant pathology as applied to vineyards.
• Experience with vineyard technology and precision agriculture techniques.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• A passion for winemaking and the unique terroir of the Bloemfontein wine region.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for international travel for wine industry events.
• Access to state-of-the-art vineyard technology.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• A rewarding career in a globally recognized wine-producing area.