About Company
Bon Courage Estate is a distinguished, award-winning wine farm nestled in the heart of the picturesque Robertson Valley, near Bonnievale, Western Cape. With a heritage spanning three generations of the Bruwer family, we are committed to producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of our land. Our philosophy blends time-honoured traditions with innovative winemaking techniques, resulting in a diverse portfolio of celebrated varietals, from sparkling wines to robust reds and elegant whites. We pride ourselves on our dedication to quality, sustainability, and fostering a passionate team that shares our vision for excellence. Joining Bon Courage Estate means becoming part of a family that values craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep respect for the art of winemaking. We offer a stimulating environment where talent is nurtured, and contributions are genuinely valued, all within the breathtaking landscape of South Africa’s renowned wine country.
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Job Description
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Cellar Hand to join our dynamic winemaking team at Bon Courage Estate. This pivotal role offers an incredible opportunity to be at the heart of our wine production, contributing to every stage of the winemaking process. As a Cellar Hand, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the impeccable standards of our cellar operations, ensuring that our grapes are transformed into world-class wines. The ideal candidate will possess a strong work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and a genuine passion for the wine industry. You will work closely with our winemakers and vineyard teams, learning and applying best practices in a supportive and collaborative environment. This position requires physical stamina, a willingness to work flexible hours during harvest seasons, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. While the core duties are hands-on within our cellars and vineyards, our progressive approach allows for certain administrative, planning, or reporting tasks to be completed remotely, contributing to a flexible hybrid work environment. This unique blend ensures you are deeply connected to our winemaking process while enjoying the convenience of occasional off-site work.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform daily cellar operations including crushing, destemming, pressing, pumping, filtering, and racking.
- Assist with fermentation management, including yeast inoculations, cap management (punch-downs and pump-overs), and temperature control.
- Conduct barrel work, including filling, topping, stirring, and cleaning of barrels.
- Operate and maintain various cellar equipment such as presses, pumps, filters, and bottling lines.
- Maintain a high level of hygiene and cleanliness throughout the cellar, including tanks, equipment, and floors.
- Assist with bottling, labelling, and packaging of finished wines.
- Monitor and record essential data related to grape processing, fermentation, and wine transfers.
- Participate in inventory management and stock rotation.
- Adhere strictly to all health, safety, and quality control procedures.
- Support vineyard activities during peak periods as required.
- Collaborate effectively with the winemaking team to achieve production goals.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in a winery or similar agricultural/production environment.
- Basic understanding of winemaking principles and cellar practices.
- Ability to operate and maintain cellar equipment safely and efficiently.
- Strong physical fitness and stamina to perform demanding tasks in a cellar environment.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and extended shifts, especially during harvest.
- Basic computer literacy for data entry and reporting.
Preferred Qualifications
- Formal qualification in Viticulture, Oenology, or a related field.
- Forklift operator certification.
- Prior experience with specific winery software or inventory systems.
- Proficiency in both English and Afrikaans.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package.
- Opportunity to work with an award-winning and respected wine estate.
- Direct involvement in the production of high-quality wines.
- Professional development and learning opportunities within the winemaking industry.
- Employee discounts on Bon Courage Estate wines.
- A supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Beautiful working environment in the scenic Robertson Valley.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive CV along with a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and passion for winemaking. Please click on the application link below to apply for this exciting opportunity.
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