Winemaker and General Manager - Dekkersvlie Paarl

Dekkersvlei is seeking an experienced Winemaker / General Manager to lead the estate’s full wine, vineyard, and business operations. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role combining technical winemaking excellence, commercial acumen, and estate management, with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and brand growth.

The successful candidate will act as the custodian of the wine style and estate vision, while driving operational performance and long-term value.

Key Responsibilities

Winemaking & Viticulture

• Full responsibility for winemaking from vineyard to bottle

• Oversight of vineyard management in collaboration with viticultural teams

• Development and execution of wine styles aligned with brand positioning

• Quality control across all production stages

General Management

• Overall operational management of the wine estate

• Budgeting, cost control, and financial oversight

• Strategic planning for production volumes, growth, and efficiency

• Compliance with industry regulations and sustainability standards

Commercial & Brand Leadership

• Contribution to brand strategy and positioning

• Collaboration with sales, marketing, and distribution partners

• Representation of the estate at tastings, industry events, and trade engagements

• Supporting domestic and export market growth

People & Leadership

• Leadership and development of cellar, vineyard, and operational teams

• Creating a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, and pride

Ideal Candidate Profile

Essential

• Formal qualification in Oenology / Viticulture or equivalent

• Proven experience as a Winemaker, preferably with GM or senior operational exposure

• Strong understanding of vineyard operations and cellar management

• Commercial mindset with financial and operational competence

Advantageous

• Experience managing a wine estate or similar agricultural business

• Exposure to brand-building and market-facing roles

• Passion for terroir-driven wines and long-term estate development

 Why Dekkersvlei?

• Opportunity to lead a distinctive wine estate with room for growth

• High level of autonomy and influence

• Ability to shape wine style, brand identity, and operational direction

• A role suited to a winemaker-leader, not just a technician