About Company
Simonsig Estate, a pioneer in the Stellenbosch wine region, is renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and tradition. As the first estate to produce Méthode Cap Classique in South Africa, we continually strive for excellence in winemaking and viticulture. We are a family-owned and operated estate with a rich history of producing award-winning wines that truly express the unique terroir of Stellenbosch. We believe in nurturing talent, fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking environment, and embracing new approaches to maintain our legacy. This unique role reflects our commitment to evolving our operations and extending our expertise through strategic remote leadership.
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Job Description
This unique and pioneering opportunity invites an experienced, visionary, and digitally-savvy Cellar Master to join Simonsig Estate in a pivotal remote leadership capacity. As our Remote Cellar Master, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of our winemaking operations, focusing on strategic oversight, advanced quality assurance, and innovation across our premium wine portfolio. This role is designed for a leader who can leverage cutting-edge technology and virtual collaboration tools to guide winemaking processes and ensure consistency in quality, potentially extending to future distributed operations or strategic partnerships.
While the core responsibilities will be managed remotely, providing unparalleled flexibility, this role demands a profound understanding of viticulture and oenology, with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making, process optimization, and project management. You will be a key driver in maintaining our legacy of excellence, advising on best practices, and ensuring the highest standards in our premium wine production, from vintage planning and grape intake protocols to fermentation, maturation, and bottling. This role offers the flexibility of remote work coupled with the prestige of contributing to one of South Africa’s most iconic wine brands. You will play a crucial part in evolving our operational strategies, adapting to global market trends, and ensuring that Simonsig remains at the forefront of quality and innovation in the dynamic wine industry.
The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional leadership, analytical problem-solving skills, and a proactive, self-motivated approach to remote team management and operational excellence. This is not a hands-on, daily cellar management role but a strategic, advisory, and oversight position, requiring the ability to inspire, guide, and mentor cellar teams from a distance, implement robust protocols, and ensure compliance with the highest international standards. Occasional site visits for critical evaluations, team meetings, or special projects will be required.
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Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and remotely manage strategic winemaking plans, protocols, and quality control standards across all production stages.
- Provide virtual leadership, expert technical guidance, and mentorship to on-site cellar teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Monitor and meticulously analyze fermentation data, laboratory results, production reports, and sensory evaluations to ensure optimal wine quality, consistency, and adherence to Simonsig's stylistic profile.
- Oversee inventory management of wine in barrels, tanks, and bottles from a strategic perspective, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and optimal aging conditions.
- Drive innovation in winemaking techniques, equipment, and technologies, suitable for future-proofing and enhancing production quality and efficiency.
- Ensure strict adherence to all relevant local and international health, safety, environmental regulations, and industry certification standards (e.g., WIETA, IPW).
- Collaborate closely with viticulturists, marketing, and sales teams on product development, market positioning, and brand storytelling.
- Develop and manage budgets, resource allocation, and operational expenditures for winemaking operations remotely, ensuring financial prudence.
- Conduct regular virtual meetings and strategic on-site visits (estimated quarterly or as needed) to maintain strong relationships, conduct detailed evaluations, and ensure operational oversight.
- Contribute to long-term planning for vineyard development, grape sourcing, and cellar infrastructure improvements.
Required Skills
- Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in premium winemaking, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior winemaker role.
- Proven expertise in all aspects of winemaking, from grape reception and fermentation kinetics to maturation, blending, and bottling.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated data-driven approach to decision-making.
- Exceptional virtual communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities, capable of inspiring and guiding remote teams.
- High proficiency in winemaking software (e.g., Vintrace, VinX2) and advanced MS Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple complex projects remotely, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Deep understanding of quality control and assurance protocols in a premium wine context.
- Demonstrated strategic planning, execution, and project management capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Oenology, Viticulture, or a closely related scientific field.
- Experience with remote team management, distributed operations, or acting in a strategic advisory winemaking capacity.
- Familiarity with international wine markets, export requirements, and global wine trends.
- Certification in HACCP or other relevant food safety management systems.
- Proficiency in Afrikaans (advantageous for local collaboration and cultural integration).
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and strategic impact.
- Flexible remote work environment, offering excellent work-life balance.
- Opportunity to significantly shape the future and operational strategy of a renowned, pioneering wine estate.
- Access to exclusive premium wine allocations and staff discounts.
- Comprehensive professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
- Robust health, wellness, and retirement benefits.
- The prestige of contributing to a leading legacy in the South African wine industry.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive CV and a compelling cover letter detailing their suitability for this unique remote, strategic role. Please highlight your specific experience with strategic oversight, remote management, and innovation in the premium winemaking industry. Click on the application link below to apply for the job.
