The future of wine will belong to people who are curious enough to question, disciplined enough to learn and passionate enough to care.
At Bouchard Finlayson, we believe that great wines are never created by chance. They are shaped by people who notice what others overlook, who ask why before accepting how, and who understand that extraordinary results are built through thousands of considered decisions. Our philosophy is simple.
Care Shapes Craft.
It is reflected in how we care for our vineyards, our wines, our guests, our people and each other. It is also what we look for in those who choose to work with us.
If you are naturally curious, bring meaningful harvest experience, take pride in your craft and are excited by the opportunity to contribute to a small team committed to excellence, we would love to welcome you to Bouchard Finlayson for the 2027 Harvest.
WHY BOUCHARD FINLAYSON?
Every harvest offers an opportunity to deepen your craft. Where you choose to spend it exposes you to different philosophies, techniques, varieties and ways of thinking about wine.
At Bouchard Finlayson, you will work alongside our small team producing internationally respected wines, on our estate, in the cool-climate vineyards of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
You’ll work across two distinct collections. The Legacy Collection, where time, precision and craftsmanship shape wines of enduring character, and our Alchemy Collection, where curiosity, experimentation and innovation challenge convention. Experiencing both gives you an opportunity to understand that exceptional winemaking requires both discipline and exploration.
You’ll be part of a culture that continually challenges itself to improve. We respect tradition without being constrained by it. We celebrate innovation grounded in purpose. We take immense pride in South Africa, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and the people whose care shapes every wine we produce.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
- Bring a minimum of two completed harvests, with practical cellar experience and a sound understanding of harvest operations.
- Have a passion for wine, winemaking and continual learning.
- Are naturally curious, enjoy asking questions and want to understand the “why” behind every decision.
- Embrace hard work, long days and understand that exceptional wines are built through thousands of intentional decisions.
- Take pride in doing every task well, recognising that the smallest details often make the greatest difference.
- Work with humility, resilience and a positive attitude, remaining calm and adaptable in a fast-paced harvest environment.
- Enjoy working as part of a close-knit team, understanding that remarkable harvests are achieved by working together.
- Communicate openly, support those around them and are always willing to contribute wherever needed.
- Bring the confidence and experience to contribute from day one, while remaining humble enough to learn and open to different ways of working.
- Believe, as we do, that excellence is never accidental.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As an experienced member of the harvest team, you will be expected to contribute confidently across day-to-day cellar operations, working independently where appropriate while following the direction and winemaking protocols of the BF team. Responsibilities will include:
- Grape sampling and maturity analysis.
- Fruit receival, sorting and processing.
- Fermentation management and monitoring.
- Punch downs and pump overs.
- Press operations.
- Barrel work and wine movements.
- General cellar operations and harvest support activities.
- Assisting with harvest records, cellar data and other production-related record keeping as required.
- Cleaning and sanitising cellar equipment and work areas.
- Maintaining high standards of cellar hygiene, safety and housekeeping at all times.
- Identifying and communicating potential issues or deviations promptly to the winemaking team.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
- A minimum of two completed harvests, ideally within a quality-focused wine production environment.
- Demonstrated practical experience across core cellar and harvest operations.
- Be legally entitled to live and work in South Africa for the full harvest period. Please note that, due to the seasonal nature of these positions, we are unable to consider applicants requiring visa or work permit sponsorship.
- A qualification in Viticulture, Oenology or a related discipline is advantageous, but practical harvest experience is the primary requirement.
- Be available for the full harvest period.
- Be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and public holidays, as required during harvest.
- Hold a valid driver's licence.
- Be physically capable of undertaking the demands of cellar work throughout the harvest season.
WHAT THE EXPERIENCE OFFERS
- The opportunity to broaden your harvest experience within a quality-focused, cool-climate winemaking environment.
- Meaningful involvement in the production of internationally respected Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
- Exposure to the different philosophies represented through our Legacy and Alchemy Collections.
- The opportunity to work alongside and exchange knowledge with an experienced winemaking team.
- A deeper understanding of the precision, judgement and thousands of considered decisions that shape exceptional wines.
- The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a complete BF vintage while continuing to develop your own craft.
- Professional relationships and experience that will continue to support your career in wine.
- Competitive harvest remuneration, overtime compensation and accommodation.
APPLICATIONS
Please submit your CV and a brief motivation outlining your interest in joining Bouchard Finlayson for the 2027 Harvest, including an overview of your previous harvest experience, to: recruitment@bouchardfinlayson.co.za