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

  Wines of Substance

  Seattle, Washington

Wines of Substance, one of the most highly acclaimed and largest independent winery in Washington State, is seeking an experienced Tasting Room Staff to join our first class team in Georgetown, south of Seattle’s downtown area. We are looking for a very unique and talented individual with the strongest work ethics; a passion for great food and wine; and a talent for teaching others about the sale and appreciation of fine wines. This individual ideally has a combination of wine knowledge, retail sales, and customer service experience. This role will have the responsibility to uphold the Wines of Substance reputation for quality; and be able to deliver consistently extraordinary tasting room experiences to all visitors, at all times.

A Few Key Responsibilities:

• Essential responsibilities include operations and cleanliness of the tasting room including opening and closing the tasting room, opening and pouring wine, engaging customers, comfortable with high volume sales and POS system.
• Provide excellent customer service and keep calm under pressure
• Maintain a clean and organized tasting room
• Effectively inform and sell wine and wine club memberships to guests
• Accurately handle routine purchasing transactions with the cash register
• Welcome visitors to the winery and educate guests about wine, provide them with a memorable wine tasting experience
• Provide general tourist information of the area
• Acquire and maintain thorough knowledge of winery and its wines
• Occasionally work private events held at the winery, including releases, holiday events and wine club parties
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and attention to detail
• Opening and closing of the tasting room

Requirements for this position:

• You cannot be simultaneously employed by another winery
• Must have weekend availability: people without weekend availability will not be considered
• Current Washington State Food Handler’s card required.
• Must obtain Washington State Class 12 Liquor Permit within 30 days of hire. https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/language.html http://ssawashington.com/
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multi-task and attention to detail
• Passion for wine with a strong knowledge and enthusiasm to continue learning
• Strong interpersonal skills: you enjoy working with the public in a friendly and outgoing manner
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly and be able to stand on feet for up to 8 hours
• Must be at least 21 years of age

Other positives:

• At least one year experience in catering and/or restaurant service
• Previous tasting room experience
• Familiarity with wines from Wines of Substance http://www.winesofsubstance.com/
• College degree
• Knowledge and experience with POS
• WIMS experience, Excel, Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Word
• Hourly pay + commission and tips

Other requirements:

• A passion for Washington State wine and the Charles Smith Brands
• Positive and engaging personality with a great attitude
• Dynamic sales skills with the ability to exceed personal and team goals
• A self-starter, excellent problem solving skills and sound judgment
• Ability to address and resolve conflict in positive, respectful and timely manner
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated sales ability
• Able to provide amazing customer service
• Ability to stand, walk, and talk for several hours
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information