Tasting Room Associate (Wine Jobs: Wine Retail & Sommelier)

  Arrowood Winery

  Glen Ellen, California

Since 1986, Arrowood Winery has been producing high-character wines from sustainably and organically farmed vineyards west of the Mayacamas Ridge. Our winery is located in the historic Sonoma Valley, a small sub-appellation in the heart of the county. Often described as a warm pocket in a cool region, this rolling AVA is particularly well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, our signature wine. We also produce limited quantities of other noble varieties from some of Sonoma’s acclaimed vineyards.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of and the direct supervision of the Estate Manager or Tasting Room Manager, the Tasting Room Associate is responsible for efficiently and effectively promoting the sale of wine and non-wine products through customer service and providing consumers with a meaningful wine tasting and experience.  All efforts are focused on attaining monthly sales goals while providing gracious hospitality to consumers and trade.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Ensure each guest experience is delivered with an emphasis on hospitality and education – tailoring approach and dialog to match guest’s knowledge level and expectation to reach maximum sales per visitor
• Greets all visitors to the Tasting Room, discusses wine tasting options and responds to customer questions as appropriate.
• Works on Tasting Room floor as well as hosting private luxury tastings; serves as a Tasting Room host, pouring wines and assisting in all aspects of consumer tours, tastings and hospitality.
• Manages phone calls, daily reservations and schedules guest tastings accordingly
• Ensures that every visitor enjoys their wine tasting experience and leaves with a very high impression of our wines.
• Is knowledgeable about wines, accurately describes wines, winemaking techniques, winery history, appellations, and unique aspects of wines.
• Effectively promotes and sells wine and Wine Club memberships to customers.
• Assists Tasting Room Associates to handle routine purchasing transactions, including operating cash register, accounting of daily sales, and processing returns and discounts.
• Takes the initiative for self-development in the areas of our wines, our brands, general hospitality, and for acquiring effective sales techniques and acumen.
• Participates in company-sponsored wine educational and development opportunities.
• Maintains knowledge of current and new legal issues pertaining to inter-state shipping of wine to consumers and how they impact day-to-day wine shipments.
• Working with shipping department, facilitates shipping of wine to customers and meets all compliance and regulatory requirements of wine shipments.
• Participates and assists with special hospitality events that occur at the winery.
• Washes and polishes glassware for Tasting Room.
• Assists with display and pricing of retail items and wines as needed.
• Represents winery at outside functions as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Essential Skills, Experience, and Education:

• Shows commitment to excellence and high standards in work product.
• Consistently demonstrates outstanding customer service skills and poise and tact in working with the public.
• Proven ability to effectively and appropriately communicate with diverse client group.
• Possesses professional appearance and demeanor.
• Is flexible, can manage constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Fluent in English
• Demonstrates ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, and percentages.
• Strong computer proficiency and data entry experience, basic to intermediate knowledge of Word and Excel preferred.
• Has high school diploma or GED; two to four year college degree preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be able to work weekends and flexible schedules. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to lift and move 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to effectively stock wine, set-up and break down procedures, equipment, etc., and be able to utilize dolly cart and assist in moving heavy objects.
• Ability to understand and accurately follow written and verbal instructions.

How To Apply