General Manager | Winemaker | Viticulturist - Montpellier Wine Estate
(2025-10)
- Lead comprehensive cellar and vineyard operations, ensuring optimal grape cultivation and wine production from vine to bottle.
- Strategically coordinate all facets of annual harvest planning and logistical execution to maximize yield and quality.
- Orchestrate and meticulously manage complex fermentation, blending, and barrel maturation processes to achieve distinct wine profiles and exceptional quality.
- Implement rigorous production planning and quality assurance protocols to consistently deliver award-winning wines.
- Maintain precise stock control and cellar inventory management, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing waste.
- Mentor, supervise, and develop high-performing production teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Spearhead the implementation of strategic operational improvements and production efficiencies, resulting in enhanced productivity and cost savings.
Harvest Winemaker - High Gate Wine Estate
(2025-02 - 2025-10)
- Orchestrated end-to-end seasonal wine production operations from grape intake to bottling, ensuring timely and high-quality output.
- Directed comprehensive fermentation management protocols, meticulously monitoring parameters to optimize yeast activity and flavor development.
- Implemented rigorous wine quality control measures throughout the production cycle, safeguarding product integrity and consistency.
- Oversaw all cellar operations, including sanitation, equipment maintenance, and inventory management, to maintain an efficient and compliant winemaking environment.
Manager - Van Der Westhuizen Bakwerke
(2024-02 - 2025-01)
- Oversaw comprehensive business operations, ensuring seamless workflow and efficiency across all departments.
- Orchestrated production scheduling, optimizing resource allocation and delivery timelines to meet client demands.
- Supervised and mentored a team of [Number] staff members, fostering a productive and collaborative work environment.
- Cultivated and maintained strong customer relationships, resolving inquiries and ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.
- Managed financial administration, including budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting, contributing to fiscal stability.
Senior Winemaker - Brandvlei Cellar
(2019-12 - 2024-01)
- Oversaw and directed comprehensive wine production operations for a large-scale cellar, ensuring consistent adherence to superior quality benchmarks.
- Managed all aspects of cellar operations, from grape reception to bottling, optimizing efficiency and workflow.
- Supervised and mentored a team of production staff, fostering a culture of excellence and professional development.
Manager | Winemaker - Calitzdorp Wine Cellar
(2017-12 - 2019-11)
- Oversaw comprehensive wine production lifecycle, from vineyard management to bottling, ensuring consistent quality and brand integrity.
- Directed and optimized cellar operations, implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and reduce waste in winemaking processes.
- Coordinated vineyard activities, including grape varietal selection, cultivation, and harvest scheduling, to secure optimal fruit quality for premium wines.
- Managed all facets of business administration, including budgeting, inventory control, and regulatory compliance, contributing to sound financial stewardship.
General Manager | Winemaker | Viticulturist - Montpellier Estate
(2015-12 - 2017-11)
- Oversaw comprehensive estate operations, encompassing vineyard management, cellar production, financial budgeting, and all staff leadership initiatives.
General Manager | Winemaker | Viticulturist - Die Mas Van Kakamas Private Wine Cellar
(2010-07 - 2015-11)
- Oversaw all facets of estate management, encompassing vineyard operations, cellar production, and winemaking processes.
- Directed annual budgeting and financial planning, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization.
- Led and mentored a diverse team of vineyard and cellar staff, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
- Managed vineyard production from cultivation to harvest, implementing best practices for grape quality and yield optimization.
- Supervised all cellar operations, including fermentation, aging, and bottling, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
- Developed and executed strategic initiatives to enhance wine quality and market positioning, contributing to brand growth.
Winemaker | Viticulturist - Hildenbrand Wine Estate
(2010-01 - 2010-06)
- Oversaw all vineyard management and cellar operations to consistently produce premium quality wines.
Winemaker | Viticulturist - Sonop Organic Wine Farm
(2008-12 - 2009-12)
- Cultivated and managed 50 hectares of organically certified vineyards, adhering to stringent environmental sustainability standards.
- Oversaw all stages of wine production from grape harvest to bottling, ensuring quality and adherence to organic principles.
- Implemented innovative viticultural techniques that resulted in a 15% increase in grape yield while maintaining organic integrity.
- Developed and executed cellar management strategies that optimized fermentation processes and enhanced wine complexity.
- Maintained rigorous quality control throughout the winemaking process, contributing to the production of award-winning organic wines.
Assistant Winemaker | Maintenance Manager - Tulbagh Wine Cellar
(2006-12 - 2009-11)
- Supported comprehensive winemaking operations, from grape reception through bottling, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Directed and executed a proactive maintenance program for all winery equipment and cellar infrastructure, minimizing downtime and operational disruptions.
- Oversaw routine inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance for critical winemaking machinery and facility systems.
- Collaborated with the Head Winemaker to implement production schedules and achieve target wine quality parameters.
- Ensured compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations across the cellar environment.
- Managed spare parts inventory for maintenance operations, optimizing resource allocation and cost-effectiveness.
Cellar Assistant - Montagu Co-operative Wine Cellar
(2000-01 - 2005-09)
- Cultivated comprehensive practical expertise in all facets of cellar operations, encompassing fermentation, meticulous wine handling, filtration processes, large-scale bottling, and critical harvest activities.
