Winemaker / Farm Manager

wine.co.za; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 520,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing on the farm

Job summary

Wine.co.za client, a dynamic wine farm between Villiersdorp and Botrivier, seeks a practical, hands-on Winemaker & Farm Manager to join the team.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for both winemaking and day-to-day farm operations, spanning vineyard to bottle within a close-knit team environment.

Qualifications

• Formal qualification in Viticulture and/or Oenology.
• Previous practical winemaking and vineyard experience.
• Strong organisational and planning abilities.
• Passion for wine, farming and working in a hands-on environment.
• Strong computer literacy (MS Office, specifically Excel).
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable transport.

Responsibilities

• Managing winemaking operations (harvest planning, maturation, bottling, quality control).
• SAWIS system administration, label approvals and stocktaking.
• Vineyard oversight and seasonal planning.
• Day-to-day farm management of infrastructure, equipment and operations.
• Leading a small permanent team and seasonal staff.
• Record-keeping, compliance, stock management and administration.
• Assisting with tastings, visitors and sales activities.
• Managing departmental budget and spending.
• General hands-on maintenance and problem-solving.

Skills

Viticulture knowledge

Oenology knowledge

Winemaking experience

Budget management

MS Excel

Organizational skills

Driver's license

Education

Formal qualification in Viticulture and/or Oenology

Tools

SAWIS system

Job description

Our client, a dynamic wine farm situated between Villiersdorp and Botrivier, is seeking a practical, hands-on and self-driven Winemaker & Farm Manager to join their team.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working independently, taking ownership and having the freedom to make a role their own. The successful candidate will take responsibility for both the winemaking and day-to-day farm operations, working across the full process from vineyard to bottle within a close-knit team environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for (but not limited to):

• Managing winemaking operations (including harvest planning and coordination, maturation, bottling and quality control, as well as SAWIS system administration, label approvals and stocktaking)
• Vineyard oversight (including seasonal planning, monitoring vine health and coordinating vineyard practices)
• Day-to-day farm management (including infrastructure, equipment and general operations)
• Managing and working alongside a small permanent team (5 pax) and seasonal staff
• Record-keeping, compliance, stock management, and all relevant administration
• Assisting with tastings, visitors and sales activities
• Managing departmental budget and spending
• General problem-solving and hands-on maintenance as required

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:

• Formal qualification in Viticulture and/or Oenology;
• Previous practical winemaking and vineyard experience;
• Strong organisational and planning abilities;
• Passion for wine, farming and working in a hands-on environment;
• Strong computer literacy (MS Office, specifically Excel);
• Valid driver’s license and own reliable transport.

In return, our client offers a competitive remuneration package comprising a basic salary plus commission, as well as housing on the farm.