Assistant Winemaker – Franschhoek

A boutique wine estate in the Franschhoek region is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Winemaker to join its close-knit production team.

The estate has 100 hectares of which 20 hectares is in production and produces around 120 tonnes of grapes annually, with approximately 60% red wine production. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on wine professional who wants broad exposure to the operation of a boutique estate and the opportunity to work closely with both the Winemaker and Vineyard team.

The successful candidate will be involved in:

• Grape intake, fermentation management and general cellar operations;
• Punch-downs and fermentation monitoring in open-top fermenters;
• Barrel management;
• Racking, blending and preparation for bottling;
• Vineyard sampling and coordination with the vineyard team;
• Dry-goods, finished-product and warehouse stock management;
• Harvest coordination within a small, multi-skilled team;
• SAWIS administration, production records and traceability;
• Maintenance of IPW certification standards and documentation across cellar and vineyard operations;
• Cellar hygiene, health & safety and general compliance;
• General winery maintenance and operational support.

Requirements:

• Relevant qualification in Viticulture and Oenology;
• Practical cellar and harvest experience;
• Sound understanding of winemaking and cellar operations;
• Strong organizational and administrative skills;
• Good attention to detail and ability to work independently;
• Computer literacy and familiarity with SAWIS/IPW requirements;
• Valid driver's and forklift license;
• Willingness to work extended and flexible hours during harvest.

This position would suit someone who is hands-on, adaptable and eager to develop into a well-rounded winemaker, with an interest in both the technical and operational aspects of running a boutique wine estate.

Accommodation on the farm is provided.
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Apply using "AW15261725 - applicant name' as a subject line to wineandvinestb@gmail.com
Attach your CV, cover letter and PDFs of all relevant qualifications.