Farm/Vineyard Manager - Hemel-en-Aarde Valley

Thursday, 13 March, 2025
Craig Wessels    
Overberg  

Restless River is a boutique Wine Estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of the area. We are family owned with a dynamic team.

Job Summary

The position requires an energetic team player to oversee the daily operations of the farm. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the optimal health and productivity of the vineyards, as well as taking responsibility for the overall management of the farming activities, including staff, machinery, vehicles and equipment. Good attention to detail will be necessary. Experience, knowledge and a great attitude will go a long way. We have a youthful team of ambitious professionals who strive to be the best at what they do.

If money is your master, this is not the position for you. This is an opportunity to step up and further your burgeoning career. If you want to play a key role in a successful wine estate, be recognised for the work you do and take ownership of what you do, work with great people, spend time outdoors, live in or near the beautiful town of Hermanus and work in the renowned Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, then this could be for you.

Key Responsibilities

- Planning, implementation, and supervision of viticultural practices.

- Work closely with our Viticulturist consultant.

- Control, plan and manage budgets and work schedules.

- Identify pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies and act on these findings.

- Supervise and coordinate staff, contractors and suppliers, including hiring and dismissals.

- Maintain accurate records of all farming activities, including labour, vineyard and weather data.

- Collaborate with the winemaking team to ensure optimal grape quality.

- Proactively implement and supervise all farm-related activities; including maintenance of equipment, roads, drainage, alien vegetation, water, irrigation and buildings.

Requirements

- A degree/diploma in Agriculture/Viticulture, or similar qualification. If you do not meet this requirement, your application is unlikely to be considered.

- Minimum of three years of practical working experience on a reputable wine farm.

- Proven knowledge of viticultural practices and principles.

- Have some mechanical experience, and be able to use basic workshop tools.

- Good attention to detail, organised and tidy.

- Strong leadership and communication skills, in both Afrikaans and English.

- Ability to work independently and as a team leader.

- Ability to problem solve and get things done with a sense of urgency.

Apply

If you are genuinely passionate about the outdoors, viticulture, people and wine, and are motivated by peer recognition, submit; your CV, contactable references and motivating letter to craig@restlessriver.com. All applications will be treated as confidential.

All applicants will be evaluated on merit and reference assessments. If you do not receive feedback within 21 days your application was not successful and we thank you in advance for your application.