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

  Opolo Vineyards

  Paso Robles, California

Opolo Wines LP is seeking a confident and knowledgeable Tasting Room Lead to oversee daily floor operations and deliver an exceptional guest experience. This is a hands-on leadership role for a passionate wine professional who leads by example and thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Job Type: Full-time
Compensation: $25–$35 per hour, DOE plus tips & commissions

Essential duties & responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

● Act as Lead on Duty, running daily floor operations and ensuring all guests are greeted, engaged, and provided an exceptional tasting experience.
● Support team members in real time; foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented culture.
● Deliver elevated tastings, including VIP experiences, tours, and large groups.
● Lead by example in hospitality, sales, and service standards; address guest concerns and resolve issues professionally.
● Create and manage daily staff schedules and floor plans for the Opolo and Willow Creek Distillery tasting rooms and patio.
● Oversee reservations, including VIPs, large groups, and special experiences.
● Ensure opening and closing procedures are executed properly
● Maintain cleanliness, organization, and presentation of the tasting room and patio.
● Drive wine club conversions and sales through leadership and example; support promotions, programs, and team performance goals.
● Assist in training, mentoring, and motivating staff; reinforce company policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
● Support virtual tastings and special events as needed.
● Collaborate with the Director of Hospitality to develop and launch new tasting experiences at Opolo, including seated flights, food and wine pairings, vineyard tours, and seasonal offerings.
● Lead the development and delivery of staff wine education and training programs, ensuring the team can speak confidently about Opolo’s wines, winemaking philosophy, and estate story.
● Stay current on industry trends in wine hospitality and guest programming; proactively bring ideas and recommendations for elevated or differentiated experiences to the Director of Hospitality.
● Assist with wine and non-wine inventory, including transfers, receiving, ordering, and month-end processes.
● Oversee tasting room merchandising, including product placement and presentation, and manage vendor relationships to ensure consistent stock and quality.
● Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

● Must be 21 years of age or older.
● 2–4 years of experience in hospitality, wine, or a related field
● Strong wine knowledge and genuine passion for the wine industry.
● Excellent communication and customer service skills; highly organized with the ability to multitask and prioritize.
● Experience with POS and Reservation systems (Commerce7, TOCK a plus)
● Ability to lift 50 lbs (case of wine).
● Regular schedule includes weekends, evenings, and holidays; ability to work long hours during peak seasons and events.

A competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a benefit package, will be offered. 

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
• Hospitality: 2 years (Required)

How To Apply

Please apply now with your resume. Opolo Wines LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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