Designation Description

Certified Cellar Workers use their knowledge and experience of cellar operations to supervise cellar workers in performing their tasks and responsibility related to wine production and related support functions.

Main Responsibilities and Competencies

Cellar workers perform tasks in and around the cellar during wine production. Specific duties include cleaning, following tasks accurately and operating specific equipment. Senior cellar workers take a leadership and discipline role in terms of cellar workers. They must have a basic knowledge of the winemaking process from the grapes to the bottling phase, in order to read and respond to situations in the cellar. They will take part in planning daily cellar tasks and must be able to perform more than one task at a time. The senior cellar worker will explain jobs and oversee the cellar workers and need to have excellent communication skills. Senior cellar workers are responsible for a certain level of quality control.

Experience

Senior cellar workers usually have more than five years of cellar work experience as well as training courses within the Industry. They must have training in Cellar Safety, First Aid and a Forklift Licence. Basic knowledge of the calculations and methods of additions to wine is required. Interpersonal communication and healthy team relations experience are important in this position.

Qualifications

SKOP 1,2,3,4

Operator Licence

• Tractor Operator
• Forklift Operator

Designation Description

The Designated Assistant Winemaker needs to have in-depth knowledge and experience of the wine-making process from receiving the harvested grapes to bottling, labeling and storing the final product.

Main Responsibilities and Competencies

Assistant winemakers need to perform and interpret basic wine analyses, research new methods and products and keep meticulous records of all movements of products within the cellar during the winemaking process. They will participate in the daily planning and running of the cellar and must be able to lead and manage the team. The assistant winemaker must have knowledge of the Industry (plantings, research articles etc.) and is responsible for broadening the wine knowledge of the team. Regarding marketing, the assistant winemaker will be required to present cellar tours and wine tastings. The assistant winemaker must always be aware of the costs of the products and processes in the cellar.

Experience

An Assistant Winemaker needs to have a formal winemaking qualification. While in this position, Industry information days and training should be attended. Exposure to local and international wines through tasting groups and serving on wine-tasting panels is essential. They must have training in Cellar Safety, First Aid and a Forklift License. Interpersonal communication and healthy team relations experience are important in this position.

Qualifications

• NQF Level 5 qualification (Diploma in Oenology)
• WTSA - Assistant to the winemaker course
• SKOP 4
• NQF Level 5 qualification (Diploma in Cellar Technology)

Operator Licence

• Forklift Operator

Designation Description

Certified Winemakers are responsible for applying scientific knowledge and techniques to wine-making. They analyse grapes, monitor fermentation processes, and conduct tests to ensure the quality, taste, and aroma of wines. They refine production methods, and maintain the overall consistency and excellence of wines produced by vineyards and wineries.

Main Responsibilities and Competencies

The winemaker needs to have in-depth knowledge and experience of the winemaking process from the grapes to the bottle and be able to carry out all of these processes. In the vineyard, the winemaker will make decisions on selling and purchasing grapes as well as the designations of vineyard blocks to specific brands and styles and, therefore, actions that need to be taken in this stage. The winemaker will be responsible for all planning and time management of all winemaking processes, ensuring accurate and thorough record keeping and for all wine quality. The winemaker must be able to interpret all wine analyses and make sound judgement and be able to respond to variables (climate of vintage, market trends etc.). The winemaker will be responsible for all equipment and safety within the cellar. The winemaker will be required to lead all staff within the cellar team and provide training to staff on a regular basis. It is important to have a research mindset and focus on trials from vineyard practices to winemaking methods and products used. The winemaker must liaise with local and international agents and be able to present vineyard and cellar tours as well as wine tastings. The winemaker is directly involved in wine marketing and sales and should, therefore, track local and international wine trends. The winemaker should have excellent knowledge of local and international wine competitions and their weight within the market.

Experience

The Winemaker needs to have a formal winemaking qualification with experience. Industry trends in the vineyard, cellar and market should be followed. Thorough knowledge and application of all legal aspects of winemaking (per style, per market) are crucial in this position. The Winemaker must have strategic responsibility for the winemaking as well as the brand. It is important that someone in this position get regular exposure to local and international wines through tastings and serving on tasting panels at competitions. Interpersonal communication is very important as one will be functioning in management and leading a team.

Qualifications

NQF Level 7 (Degree in Oenology)

Designation Description

Professional Cellar Masters oversee the wine-making process, managing the cellar's operations and ensuring the quality of wines. They supervise the fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling processes, making critical decisions to maintain the desired flavor profiles and characteristics of the wines. Additionally, cellar masters often collaborate with oenologists and winemakers, using their expertise to create exceptional and distinctive wines.

Main Responsibilities and Competencies

The cellar master oversees all the processes from the vineyard to the cellar to the market. The cellar master manages the winemaking team as well as the winemaking costs. Using strategic knowledge and experience, the cellar master must be able to calculate from vineyard to wine style to manage the quality and volume of each brand. The cellar master is part of the vineyard planning (plantings, purchases, sales and options per vintage). The cellar master must have thorough and consistent knowledge of the local and domestic markets regarding trends, legislation and communicate this to the winemaking team to set wine parameters. The cellar master must instil a culture of research and trials within each step of the process to grow new methods and products at a more effective cost. The cellar master must identify the need for extensions and budget accordingly. Not only responsible for profitability and performance but also the company morale and the brand image. Must be able to lead downwards and communicate upwards.

Experience

A Cellar Master must have a vast knowledge of the Wine Industry, both local and international. Strategic planning from vineyard to market is essential. This person needs to engage with the vineyard, cellar and marketing team as well as agents local and abroad. Continuously work on the strategy and vision of the brand and how to accomplish that with the lowest cost and highest quality possible.

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