Winery Operations Apprentice

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 67,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Mentorship from winemakers

Exposure to premium wine region

Career in wine industry

Team environment

Job summary

Placements24 presents a Winery Operations Apprentice role in Paarl, Western Cape. This hands-on program covers vineyard tasks, cellar operations, fermentation, blending, bottling, and quality control under seasoned winemakers.

You will gain practical skills across grape-to-bottle production, adapt to seasonal cycles, and contribute to a dynamic team while pursuing a long-term career in the wine industry. The role requires physical work and flexibility, with full-time hours and weekend work

Qualifications

• Completed matriculation or equivalent qualification.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and harvest season.
• Physical fitness and ability to perform manual labor.
• Ability to work full-time at Paarl, Western Cape winery.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with vineyard tasks, including pruning, trellising, and harvesting grapes.
• Participate in cellar operations, such as crushing, pressing, and transferring juice/wine.
• Monitor fermentation processes and assist with yeast management.
• Learn about and contribute to blending trials and wine maturation.
• Operate and maintain winery equipment, including pumps, filters, and bottling lines.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation duties to maintain hygiene standards.
• Conduct basic quality control tests on grapes, juice, and wine.
• Assist with bottling, labeling, and packaging operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and winery protocols.
• Contribute to record-keeping for all operational activities.

Skills

Physical fitness

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Good communication

Manual labor

Education

Matriculation

Tertiary education in Agriculture/Viticulture/Oenology (advantage)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious vineyard and winery located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is seeking a dedicated **Winery Operations Apprentice**. This is a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about viticulture and oenology, offering comprehensive training in all aspects of wine production, from grape to bottle. You will gain hands‑on experience in vineyard management, cellar operations, fermentation, blending, bottling, and quality control. The role is based in **Paarl, Western Cape**, and requires a strong commitment to learning the art and science of winemaking. We are looking for enthusiastic, hardworking individuals who are eager to develop a long‑term career in the wine industry. This position involves physical work and requires a willingness to adapt to seasonal demands.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with vineyard tasks, including pruning, trellising, and harvesting grapes.
• Participate in cellar operations, such as crushing, pressing, and transferring juice/wine.
• Monitor fermentation processes and assist with yeast management.
• Learn about and contribute to blending trials and wine maturation.
• Operate and maintain winery equipment, including pumps, filters, and bottling lines.
• Perform cleaning and sanitation duties to maintain hygiene standards.
• Conduct basic quality control tests on grapes, juice, and wine.
• Assist with bottling, labelling, and packaging operations.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and winery protocols.
• Contribute to record‑keeping for all operational activities.

Requirements

• Completed matriculation or equivalent qualification; tertiary education in Agriculture, Viticulture, or Oenology is advantageous.
• A strong passion for wine and the winemaking process.
• Physical fitness and the ability to perform manual labor, including working in varying temperatures.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and during harvest season.
• Good attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to work full‑time at our **Paarl, Western Cape** winery.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A willingness to learn and absorb new knowledge.
• Reliable and punctual with a strong work ethic.

Benefits

• Comprehensive on‑the‑job training in all facets of winemaking.
• Mentorship from experienced winemakers and viticulturists.
• Opportunity to work in one of the world's most renowned wine regions.
• Exposure to premium grape varieties and winemaking techniques.
• Competitive apprentice salary.
• A chance to learn a respected trade and build a career in the wine industry.
• Team environment with a shared passion for quality wine.
• Contribution to the production of award‑winning wines.