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.

Underlying NQF Registered Qualifications / Academic Component

NQF Level 7 degree in Agriculture or related study field

Workplace Experience / Experiential Learning / Practical 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.

Competency Assessment / Board Examination

No Board Examination is required but applicants for this designation should provide a comprehensive reference regarding the mentorship and guidance received which helped to guide the candidate’s career path (mentor). A Board interview may be required to clarify the evidence of competencies submitted by applicants.

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

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.

Designation 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 procedure 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.

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

Professional Designation Progression Pathway

- Vineyard Worker (Vineyard Practitioner) -> Viticulture and Vineyard Supervisor (Viticulture Practitioner) -> Vineyard Operations Manager (Viticulture Professional) -> Viticulture Consultant (Viticulture Industry Specialist)