Mercer Wine Estates is searching for a passionate, fun, curious Wine Specialist with exceptional hospitality skills and a lively passion for wine. It will be their responsibility to guide guests through tasting flights, educate them on MWE history and viticultural landscape, and have vast knowledge of the entire portfolio. 20 wines from the Small Lot, Reserve, and Sonova Sage (new, wild-ferment wines made with organic grapes) lines will be available at the Walla Walla tasting room. The new tasting room is located at 18 E Main Street in downtown Walla Walla, set to open in early summer 2024. The ideal candidate possesses excellent sales and customer service skills, communication skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, great problem-solving capabilities, a willingness to learn, a genuine interest in wine culture, excellent teamwork skills, respect for others, and the desire to work collaboratively as a team.

The Wine Specialist will be a vital position for the success of opening the new tasting room. The candidate needs to be flexible and excited to deal with all the surprises that come with opening a new business.

This position will report directly to the Mercer Wine Estates Walla Walla Hospitality Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Conduct daily operations required of the tasting room, consumer-facing, and back-of-house.

- Uphold exceptional hospitality for oenophiles and novices alike.

- Exceed members’ and guests’ expectations by anticipating needs and delivering them with grace and poise.

- Operate WineDirect system on iPad to check out customers, access the cash drawer, sign up new club members, apply discounts, keep track of customer identification information, etc.

- Assist with opening and closing procedures with attention to detail.

- Maintain a clean, inviting, and well-organized tasting room floor.

- Manage reservations via phone and Tock. Support management to execute memorable experiences for large parties, special requests, private tastings, host trade, etc.

- Learn and effectively communicate the company history, philosophy, wines, and brand identity.

- Always maintain and demonstrate a positive attitude in a fast-paced, hospitality-driven setting.

- Stay current with recent wine reviews and industry news.

- Provide guests with insightful knowledge of the local community such as restaurants, hotels, airlines, other wineries, etc.

- Willingness to help with special events such as winemaker dinners, wine club packing, industry events, vineyard tours, new release parties, etc.

- Keep accurate inventory.

- Strive to provide consumers with memorable experiences, drive sales, grow the wine club, and increase brand awareness.

- Exude excellent hospitality skills at wine club pick-up parties that leave club members feeling valued and more connected to Mercer.

- Promote wine club development by adding members to the Carma Club.

- Foster self-development by taking the initiative to increase sales and wine knowledge.

- Carry out daily tasks while having successful customer interactions.

- Uphold a positive and respectful reputation in the community as an employee of Mercer Wine Estates.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Excellent verbal and written communication, customer service, public speaking, and presentation skills.

- Aspirations to be promoted within the company.

- Positivity, strong work ethic, self-starter.

- 2 years of wine/hospitality experience.

- Passion for the wine and food industry.

- Must be available for weekends, holidays, and evening work.

- Proficient computer skills including POS experience.

- Solid track record of success in previous positions. References will be requested.

- Professional demeanor.

- Enthusiasm for Washington Wine and the desire to help grow the industry.

- Ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly.

- Ability to stand for long periods of time.

- Minimum of high school diploma or equivalent.

- MAST 12 Certification (within 90 days of hire).

- Must be 21 .

- BFHD Food Handler’s Permit (within 30 days of hire).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Compensation package:

• Hourly pay
• Tips

Experience level:

• 2 years

Physical setting:

• Bar

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person