Wine Estate Manager - Viticulture & Hospitality

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Potential on-site accommodation

Use of estate facilities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a premier wine estate in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, SA, in finding an experienced Wine Estate Manager. The role blends viticulture, winemaking, hospitality, and business leadership, including tasting room operations, events, and guest experiences.

A hybrid on-site and strategic planning schedule applies, with a strong focus on quality and profitability. The candidate should bring 7+ years' wine estate management experience, degrees in relevant fields, and proven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agricultural Science, Hospitality Management, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in wine estate management with strong viticulture and winemaking knowledge.
• Proven hospitality management experience in premium tourism or events.
• Strong budgeting, financial planning and strategic business sense.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all viticulture operations from vineyard planning to harvest.
• Manage the winemaking process from grape to bottle, ensuring quality.
• Develop business strategies to improve profitability from wine sales and hospitality.
• Lead hospitality teams for tasting room, restaurant and events with guest experience as priority.
• Oversee budget, P&L, and overall financial performance of the estate.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural, environmental and liquor regulations.
• Create marketing and sales strategies for wine and tourism offerings.
• Maintain estate brand and public image; manage procurement and vendor relations.

Skills

Vineyard management

Winemaking knowledge

Hospitality management

Budgeting & P&L

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture/Oenology/Agri Science/Hospitality Management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly esteemed wine estate in the picturesque surroundings of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced and passionate Wine Estate Manager. This dual-focused role requires a unique blend of expertise in viticulture, winemaking, hospitality, and business management. The Estate Manager will oversee all aspects of the wine production process, from vineyard management and harvesting to fermentation and bottling, while also driving the hospitality and tourism elements of the estate, including tasting room operations, events, and guest experiences. The successful candidate will be instrumental in maintaining the estate's reputation for producing exceptional wines and providing world-class guest experiences. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to lead a dynamic operation in one of South Africa's premier wine regions. A hybrid work model will balance on-site management with strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all viticulture operations, including vineyard planning, cultivation, pest management, and harvesting.
• Manage the winemaking process, ensuring quality and adherence to estate standards from grape to bottle.
• Develop and implement business strategies to enhance profitability across wine sales and hospitality.
• Lead and manage the hospitality team, ensuring exceptional guest service in the tasting room, restaurant, and for events.
• Manage budget, P&L, and financial performance for the entire estate.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant agricultural, environmental, and liquor licensing regulations.
• Develop and execute marketing and sales strategies for wine and tourism offerings.
• Maintain and enhance the estate's brand reputation and public image.
• Oversee procurement of supplies, equipment, and services for both vineyard and hospitality operations.
• Foster strong relationships with staff, suppliers, and the local community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Oenology, Agricultural Science, Hospitality Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in wine estate management, with a strong understanding of both viticulture and winemaking.
• Proven experience in hospitality management, particularly in a premium tourism or events setting.
• Demonstrated business acumen with experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of South African wine industry regulations and best practices.
• Ability to work effectively on-site in Stellenbosch and manage a hybrid schedule.
• Passion for wine, sustainability, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and a generous performance-based bonus.

• potential on-site accommodation
• use of estate facilities
• opportunities for professional development within the wine and tourism industry

You will be part of a renowned establishment in the beautiful Western Cape , contributing to its legacy of excellence.

This is a unique leadership role for a seasoned professional.