DISCOVER A CAREER IN PRIMARY PRODUCTION
If you have a passion for working with the land and want to be at the beginning of the wine making process, a career in Primary Production and viticulture is for you. Every bottle of wine begins its story with you, in the rich soils and bright skies of the vineyards.
Primary production means growing and nurturing the vineyards for the production of wine. Professionals in this field are responsible for the functions that produce the grapes used to make wine. Viticulture is a career that blends science, nature and hands-on learning.
Responsibilities
Viticulturists are typically responsible for:
- Establishment of vineyards and soil preparation
- Maintenance and development of the vineyards
- Monitoring and managing pests and diseases
- Harvesting of grapes
- Maintaining the infrastructure and natural resources to sustain the vineyards
Essentials
To build your career in Primary Production, these are some of the aspects and abilities needed to thrive in this sub-sector:
- Understand what needs to be considered to establish and cultivate vineyards
- Maintaining vineyards to ensure optimum performance of the vines
- Understanding what terroir is and the impact it has on production
- Identify and manage diseases and pests that could impact vineyards and production
- Know how to manage natural resources such as soil and water
Your Career Pathway in Primary Production
Explore your pathways in viticulture and primary production. Each occupation represents an opportunity for growth, supported by experience, learning and a professional designation from the SAWIPB to formally recognise your skills. Select the options below to view the occupation details and related development opportunities.
Designation Description
The Viticulture Worker Designation is intended to help vineyard workers to improve their employability. People with this designation have worked in vineyards for more than 3 years and they and their supervisor completed the online competence survey for Vineyard Workers.
Main Responsibilities and Competencies
Vineyard workers perform tasks related to vineyard establishment, maintenance and harvesting. Specific duties include spraying, pruning, trellis work, soil preparation and maintaining irrigation systems.
Experience
People working in the vineyard are usually trained by the Vineyard Supervisor on what they are required to do. No previous experience is thus required, but people with references and previous vineyard work experience are preferred by employers.
Qualifications
Formal qualifications are not compulsory to be employed as Vineyard Worker.
Operator Licence
- Tractor Operator
- Forklift Operator
Designation Description
Vineyard Worker Trainer is intended to acknowledge supervisors ability to support the workplace learning programme presented as Vinpro's Online Programme.
Main Responsibilities and Competencies
Vineyard Foremen assist and train vineyard workers in specific tasks, making sure tasks/jobs are carried out correctly to the standards of the Vineyard Manager. Duties include supervising pruning, suckering, positioning, tucking, tying, hedging, tipping, leafing, fruit thinning, harvesting, soil preparation and managing the harvesting process. Specialised functions such as irrigation management and pest and disease control could also be assigned to Vineyard Foremen.
Experience
Vineyard Foremen usually have worked in vineyard for more than five years. In addition to being knowledgeable in vineyard maintenance, they also have to have experience in maintaining interpersonal and healthy team member relations.
Qualifications
No formal qualifications are compulsory.
Vinpro Vineyard Worker Train the Trainer Programme
Operator Licence
- Tractor Operator
- Forklift Operator
Main Responsibilities and Competencies
Vineyard Managers are responsible for all viticulture operations, which includes the quality production of grapes, overseeing the tasks assigned to staff and ensuring compliance with applicable guidelines for effective grape production. Vineyard managers estimate harvest equipment needed; provide accurate harvest estimates and work within assigned budgets. They need to train and develop people to ensure a productive team and a safe work environment.
Experience
Vineyard Managers usually have worked in an assistant managerial role for two to three years or as Vineyard Foreman for more than four years. The experience is usually in addition to a formal qualification. In addition to being knowledgeable in all aspects of vineyard management they also have to have experience in managing people and processes and maintaining interpersonal relations.
Qualifications
A formal qualification is usually a requirement
NQF Level 5 qualification (Diploma)
Operator Licence
- Agricultural Equipment Operator
Designation Description
Viticulture Industry Specialists provide strategic advice and high-level insights on vineyard management, production practices, and industry innovations. Their role is both advisory and mentoring-oriented, with a focus on enhancing operational efficiency, improving grape quality, and driving sustainability practices across the sector. Viticulture Industry Specialists are involved in working with research institutions, multiple vineyards, wineries, and industry bodies, offering tailored solutions and promoting best practices.
Main Responsibilities and Competencies
- Critical reflect on complex problems and apply evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments to provide expert advice on vineyard management practices, strategic planning, and industry innovation to various entities directly involved with primary production.
- Offer specialised advice and guide decision-making on all aspects of vineyard establishment and management, including soil preparation and maintenance of soil health; irrigation; fertilisation; cultivar selection; vine spacing and trellising; pruning and canopy management for optimising yield and vineyard sustainability.
- Provide risk-management and problem-solving support by assisting producers with unexpected challenges such as disease outbreaks, climate-related consequences, or market fluctuations.
- Help to develop contingency plans and long-term risk management strategies to protect and sustain grapevine cultivation.
- Independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information, applying research findings and trends to improve vineyard performance, grape quality, and sustainability.
- Collaborate with universities, research institutions and industry bodies and study published research reports and articles to stay updated on the latest viticulture research and trends.
- Translate research findings into practical application strategies for grapevine cultivation.
- Select and apply suitable methods or procedures from a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change by operating with autonomy and influencing operational and strategic decisions at managerial level to support innovative initiatives.
- Drive the adoption of sustainable practices such as water conservation and biodiversity enhancement.
- Help evaluate new technologies or practices that enhance vineyard efficiency and profitability.
- Introduce and implement cutting-edge technologies such as drones and automated monitoring systems for precision cultivation of vineyards.
- Shares integrated knowledge of multiple fields, principles, interrelation of fields & application, evaluation of knowledge by contributing to industry-level projects, such as training programmes, technology/knowledge transfer events, mentoring, and leadership development.
- Develop and lead workshops and training programmes for Viticulture Practitioners and Viticulture Professionals enabling them to diagnose and solve viticulture-related problems and challenges in order to produce wine grapes in a sustainable manner as determined by the wine style/outcome.
- Act as mentors to junior viticulturists, technicians, and managers, helping them advance their technical knowledge, understanding and skills as well as reaching their leadership and managerial potential.
Experience
Industry Experience: Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in viticulture, vineyard management, or related sectors. This experience should demonstrate deep practical knowledge of grapevine production, soil and water management, pest and disease control, and other key aspects of vineyard cultivation operations.
Consulting or Advisory Experience: Previous experience should include a minimum of 3 years in an advisory/consultant role in primary production, with a demonstrated ability and track record to provide expert guidance to primary producers, wineries and/or industry bodies.
Qualifications
SAQA ID of the qualification registered on the NQF: 116790
Title of the qualification registered on the NQF: Bachelor of Agriculture
NQF Level: 7
Application of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Applicants that do not have the required NQF 7 qualification need to apply for RPL for Access. SAWIPB will assist the applicant with the RPL application which needs to provide proof of knowledge and understanding of critical Viticulture/Horticulture/Plant Science/Soil Science principles and fundamentals. Applicants need to complete the Online Competence Survey for Viticulture at the Advanced level and their manager need to validate the survey input. The Competence Survey will be used to inform the RPL process especially the identification of skills and knowledge gaps that require attention.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Knowledge Donation Day
- Continuous Professional Development Requirements
The SAWIPB Policy on CPD outlines CPD requirements and CPD categories. CPD activities validated by SAWIPB are disseminated to members and managed via the SAWIPB website. 24 credits every two years obtained through SAWIPB Verified or non-verified activities. Non-verified credits are allocated by the SAWIPB Training and Development Standing Committee based on information submitted. 2 credits every two years related to people interaction and Health and Safety at managerial level.
Criteria for Retaining the Professional Designation
- Adherence to the SAWIPB Code of Conduct
- Paid up annual Designation Registration Fees
- Compliance with minimum CPD credits in a two-year cycle
Designation Description
Viticulture Specialist Designation is intended to acknowledge Vineyard Specialists for their expertise and contribution to research and development in the industry.
Main Responsibilities and Competencies
Viticulture Specialists conduct research in the viticulture industry and are involved in Learning and Development related functions.
Experience
Viticulture Specialists have conducted research in the viticulture industry and have been involved in Learning and Development institutions for five years or more.
Qualifications
NQF Level 9 qualification (Masters Degree)
Grow Your Career With SAWIPB
By ensuring everyone in the wine industry is skilled and informed, we allow South Africa's wine industry to compete on a global scale. We are committed to standardising the industry and supporting our members every step of the way. With the SAWIPB, you can access the tools and recognition you need to succeed.
Professional Designations
Professional Designations
The SAWIPB's professional designations acknowledge your skills, industry knowledge and experience, affording you the recognition and a competitive advantage within South African wine.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Your industry experience matters. Through our RPL programme, you can secure formal recognition for the skills and knowledge you have gained over the course of your career. With this recognition, you can access further learning opportunities or apply for a professional designation.
Continuous Professional Development
Continuous Professional Development
As a member of the SAWIPB, you gain access to our Learner Management System, where you can access a range of courses and workshops to build your skills and keep your knowledge up-to-date.
Your Journey Starts Here
Ready to begin your path to success and career growth? This step-by-step guide will help you get started.
- Join the SAWIPB Community
The first step is to become a member. Simply click this link, enter your details, and accept the Code of Conduct. That's it! - Plan Your Career Path
Explore the different career pathways and options available to you. - See What's Available
Consider the possible designations on offer in the sub-sector. - Apply for a Designation
There are many people in the industry that have skills and knowledge they have acquired through the years. A Designation is an acknowledgement of these abilities. The criteria for the various designations are listed under the four pathways. Apply online for the designation after joining SAWIPB. - Apply for Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have been working in the industry, you can expand your career by applying for recognition of your experience. The recognition could help you gain access to a qualification or be recognised via a SAWIPB designation. To apply, log in to the Membership portal and click on "Apply for Recognition for Prior Learning". - Apply for Learning Programmes
Access the learning opportunities, online courses and workshops available. After logging in to the Membership portal, complete the survey, select your preferred programmes, and you are ready to go!