A high-profile opportunity is available for an experienced and highly motivated Assistant Winemaker (Reference: AG024) to join one of Stellenbosch's most prestigious and internationally recognised wine estates.
This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for someone who has gained meaningful practical winemaking experience and is ready to take on significant responsibility in a demanding, quality-driven cellar environment.
Working closely with the Winemaker, the Assistant Winemaker will play an important role in producing premium wines, managing cellar operations, and maintaining the estate's exacting quality and compliance standards.
JOB PURPOSE
To assist the Winemaker with all aspects of wine production, cellar operations and related administration, while ensuring that production, quality, compliance and operational standards are consistently maintained.
KEY OUTCOMES
- Support and coordinate all wine production activities.
- Ensure compliance with SAWIS, IPW and other applicable industry requirements.
- Implement and maintain effective quality-control systems and procedures.
- Ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping and wine production administration.
- Assist with the effective management and coordination of the cellar team.
- Contribute to the consistent production of high-quality wines in accordance with the estate's winemaking philosophy and standards.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS & RESPONSIBILITIES
Harvest & Grape Reception
- Assist with harvest planning, scheduling and coordination.
- Communicate harvest requirements and schedules to relevant personnel.
- Oversee grape reception and ensure grapes are correctly processed according to winemaking requirements.
- Assist with harvest logistics and the efficient utilisation of cellar resources.
Wine Production & Cellar Operations
- Assist with all cellar operations throughout the winemaking process.
- Monitor fermentations and wine movements and ensure work is carried out according to prescribed procedures.
- Assist with pressing, transfers, additions, treatments and other cellar operations.
- Maintain accurate production records.
- Ensure cellar equipment and facilities are operated correctly and efficiently.
Blending, Stabilisation & Bottling
- Assist the Winemaker with blending and wine preparation.
- Assist with stabilisation and related wine treatments.
- Help coordinate and oversee bottling operations.
- Ensure that bottling runs are properly prepared, documented and executed.
Cellar Hygiene & Quality Control
- Oversee and maintain high standards of cellar hygiene and housekeeping.
- Assist with implementing and monitoring quality-control procedures.
- Identify potential quality issues and communicate these promptly to the Winemaker.
- Ensure that cellar procedures comply with established quality, food-safety and operational standards.
Cellar Team Management
- Assist with coordinating and supervising cellar employees.
- Allocate work and monitor task completion.
- Promote a disciplined, safe and productive working environment.
- Assist with training and development of cellar staff where required.
Procurement & Stock Control
- Assist with procurement of wine-production consumables and other cellar requirements.
- Monitor stock levels and communicate requirements timeously.
- Assist with stock control and ensure accurate records are maintained.
- Liaise with suppliers where required.
SAWIS, IPW & Administration
- Maintain accurate wine production records and documentation.
- Ensure compliance with SAWIS, IPW, and other regulatory requirements.
- Keep cellar and production records up to date.
- Assist with audits, inspections and compliance requirements.
- Complete all other wine-production administration associated with the position.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Tertiary qualification in Viticulture & Oenology or an equivalent relevant qualification.
- At least two years' practical winemaking experience, including relevant internships and/or international harvest experience.
- Proven practical experience in a commercial winery environment.
- Knowledge of wine production methods and cellar operations.
- Knowledge of SAWIS, IPW and other relevant industry regulations.
- A sound understanding of quality-control systems, policies and procedures.
- Experience in wine-production administration and recordkeeping.
- A valid driver's licence.
International harvest experience will be advantageous.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
We are looking for an individual who is:
- Highly detail-oriented and methodical.
- Structured and exceptionally well organised.
- A confident and effective communicator.
- Team-oriented, with the ability to lead and coordinate cellar personnel.
- Proactive, dependable and capable of taking responsibility.
- Passionate about producing premium-quality wines.
- Able to work independently while operating effectively under the direction of the Winemaker.
- Open to learning and continuously improving.
- Calm and decisive when working under pressure.
- Prepared to work long and demanding hours during harvest.
- Flexible and willing to adapt to changing production requirements.
A RARE OPPORTUNITY
This is an opportunity to join a high-profile wine estate with an outstanding reputation and a strong commitment to quality.
The successful candidate will work alongside an experienced Winemaker and be exposed to all major aspects of premium wine production, while taking on meaningful responsibility for cellar operations and managing the cellar team.
We are specifically looking for the best candidates in the market. If you do not have the required qualifications, practical experience and commitment to excellence, please do not apply.
REMUNERATION
Our client will offer a market-related salary, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and suitability for the position.
APPLICATION
Candidates should submit:
- A detailed CV, preferably in MS Word format.
- A recent photograph
- Copies of relevant qualifications.
- A brief covering letter explaining why you are suited to this position.
- Current availability.
- Contact details for at least two contactable professional references.
Location: Stellenbosch
Remuneration will be competitive and negotiable.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received a response within 10 days of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Applications should be sent to:
CV@HeritageMG.co.za with the reference AG024 in the subject line.
Closing date: 16 September 2026.