La Vierge Wines is looking for a passionate and hands-on Assistant Winemaker to join our winemaking team in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic winemaker who wants to develop their skills across all aspects of premium cool-climate wine production, from vineyard to bottle.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will work closely with the winemaker and cellar team and will be involved in:
- Day-to-day cellar operations and wine production
- Harvest preparation and vintage logistics
- Grape processing, fermentation management and monitoring
- Barrel work, including filling, topping, racking and preparation
- Wine movements, additions and cellar record keeping
- Sampling and basic laboratory analysis
- Blending, stabilisation and preparation of wines for bottling
- Bottling and dry-goods coordination
- Maintaining high standards of cellar hygiene and organisation
- Stock control and wine inventory management
- Assisting with vineyard monitoring and harvest decisions
- Supporting tastings, technical presentations and other winemaking activities when required
Candidate Requirements
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a relevant qualification in Viticulture and Oenology / Cellar Technology
- Has practical cellar and harvest experience
- Has a strong interest in premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and cool-climate winemaking
- Is organised, reliable and comfortable taking responsibility
- Has good attention to detail and record-keeping skills
- Is physically capable and willing to take a hands-on approach to cellar work
- Works well as part of a small, focused team
- Is willing to work extended hours during harvest
- Has a valid driver's licence
The Opportunity
The position offers exposure to the complete winemaking process within one of South Africa's leading cool-climate wine regions. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with the winemaker, develop greater technical responsibility and gain experience across both vineyard and cellar operations.
We are looking for someone who is curious, hardworking and quality-driven, with a genuine interest in understanding how site, season and winemaking come together in the bottle.
Position: Assistant Winemaker
Location: La Vierge Wines, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus
Starting date: To be discussed
Remuneration: Market-related, based on experience
Applications
Please send your CV and a short motivation letter to christok@lavierge.co.za
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.