Louis Breedt

Agricultural Manager and Viticulturist with over 10 years of experience in farming, food production, and agricultural operations. Experienced in vineyard, orchard, and specialty crop production, with a strong background in crop management, team leadership, audit compliance, sustainability practices, food safety systems, and operational planning. After completing my studies in Graphic Design, I chose to pursue a career in agriculture, securing my first Junior Farm Manager position after university with the export table grape company Denau.

Throughout my career, I have been driven by a passion for growth, continuous learning, and skills development. This commitment has enabled me to progress from Junior Farm Manager to Estate Manager at Bijstein Estates, a mixed farming operation specialising in wine grape production and cattle farming. My passion for the agricultural industry continues to drive my professional development.

I am currently pursuing the Cape Wine Master qualification to deepen my knowledge in viticulture, winemaking and to becoming a winemaker while continuing to contributing meaningfully to the South African wine industry.

VITICULTURIST / FARM MANAGER at La Cotte Farm Franschhoek (2021-08 – Present)

• Management of 15ha Vineyards, 5ha Olives, 5ha Figs and Farm Property
• Soil and Water Management, Pruning, Pest and Disease Control
• Establishment of New Vineyards and Orchards
• Manage Farm Budgets and Production Reports
• Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture Practices and Protocols
• Work in close relation with Cellar Master for Wine Production
• Manage storage of onsite wine and deliveries
• Manage Farm, Garden and Maintenance Teams
• Oversee upkeep of Estate Gardens, Composting, Chipping, Removal of Alien Invasive Species, Management of Conservation areas
• Oversee Farm Audits like IPW, WIETA, SAWIS Online
• Oversee Maintenance and New Building Projects
• Manage Farm Security in relation with Private Security, Oversee Health and Safety Protocols

PRODUCTION / FARM MANAGER at Leaf Botanicals Upington (2019-09 – 2021-02)

• Manage the establishment of Medical Cannabis Facility
• Manage cultivation including harvesting, drying, curing, packaging and shipping
• Oversee lab tests, research projects and data capturing
• Management of water, energy, biowaste in accordance to government guidline
• Work in close relation to mother company situated in Canada
• Oversee training, development and HR
• Manage security
• Oversee audits for cannabis industry, Union Control GMP, SAHPRA, SGS HACCP Complians, PCQI, Food Health and Safety standards

FARM PRODUCTION MANAGER at Babylonstoren (2018-09 – 2019-08)

• Production Management of Citrus, Stone fruit, Soft fruit, Nuts, Figs, Persimmons, Rooibos and Honey Bush Tea, Risotto Rice, Cape Pond Weed (Waterblommetjies) and Essential Oil Herbs
• Manage Establishment of New Fruit Orchards
• Manage Canopy, Pruning, Harvesting, Pest and Disease Control, Irrigation Scheduling and Plant Nutrition
• Record keeping of all production units for exporting and local markets
• Planning and delivering of fresh produce to packhouses
• Oversee Audits for Global G.A.P, SIZA, WIETA

B.A. in GRAPHIC DESIGN – MIDRAND GRADUATE INSTITUTE (2014)

CAPE WINE MASTER – Cape Wine Academy (2024)