L'Avenir and Le Bonheur Wine Estates are looking for a hands-on Farm and Vineyards Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day running of our vineyards and farms. This is a role for someone who thrives outdoors, knows vineyards inside and out, and can lead a team through the full seasonal cycle — from pruning to harvest — while keeping quality, safety, and sustainability front of mind.
You'll be responsible for everything from vine health and soil management to staff leadership, equipment upkeep, and compliance with ethical and environmental standards across both estates.
What You'll Do
- Oversee all vineyard operations — planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting
- Monitor vine health and growth, applying best practice to maximise grape quality and yield
- Develop and maintain soil health programmes in line with sustainability and environmental goals
- Plan and implement seasonal and annual vineyard programmes aligned with the farm's objectives
- Lead, train, and manage vineyard staff, including scheduling and performance reviews, with a strong focus on safety and teamwork
- Supervise the workforce during peak periods such as harvest, ensuring efficient and safe execution
- Champion sustainable farming practices, including water conservation and responsible pest management, in line with certifications such as WIETA and Fairtrade
- Ensure vineyard and farm equipment — tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems — is properly maintained and safety-compliant
- Plan and oversee general property maintenance and repairs across both estates, within budget
- Manage security measures across the farms and liaise with service providers
- Maintain accurate records for compliance, audits, and general administration
- Support promotional activities, farm tours, and tastings, working with the sales and marketing teams
What You Bring
- Grade 12, plus a qualification in Winemaking, Oenology and Viticulture, or an agricultural degree/diploma
- Minimum 5 years' experience working on an operating farm with vineyards
- Technical knowledge of farm and vineyard machinery and winemaking processes
- Proven experience managing and leading a team
- Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on, practical approach
- Computer literacy
- Willingness to work overtime when operational needs require it
- Fluency in English and Afrikaans
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with staff, contractors, and clients
Why Join Us
You'll be working across two well-established wine estates known for quality and craft, with real ownership over the vineyards you manage. It's a role that combines technical viticulture, people leadership, and land stewardship - ideal for someone who wants to make a visible, lasting impact on the vineyard and the wine it produces.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV to daniellei@advinisa.co.za. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
*POPIA DISCLAIMER | PERSONAL INFORMATION GATHERED WILL ONLY BE USED FOR RECRUITMENT PURPOSES*