Tasting Room Educator

Job Summary

As a Tasting Room Educator, you will help create an exceptional guest experience by providing knowledgeable, engaging, and professional wine and hospitality service. This position supports all tasting room operations in a way that maximizes sales potential, elevates the guest experience, builds brand loyalty, and reflects the essence of Ancient Peaks. Core responsibilities include wine education, customer service, sales, food service support, POS operations, and maintaining a clean and welcoming environment. Weekend availability is required, including special events and extended hours.

Job Duties

• Prepare the Tasting Room for daily opening and closing.
• Deliver exceptional customer service to all guests.
• Professionally and enthusiastically represent the winery and brand.
• Educate guests on wines, winemaking techniques, vineyard practices, and winery history; answer guest questions confidently.
• Effectively suggest and sell wine and merchandise to guests.
• Memorize wine club benefits and confidently sell wine club memberships in person and by phone.
• Serve as an informed resource for guests regarding vintages, winegrowing, availability, and general wine knowledge.
• Maintain up-to-date wine, company, and industry knowledge by staying current with press, memos, releases, and training materials.
• Attend scheduled team meetings and trainings.
• Operate POS and credit card terminals accurately, including opening and closing procedures.

Food Service Responsibilities

• Take food orders accurately and efficiently.
• Serve food items to guests in a timely, professional manner.
• Bus and reset tables regularly to maintain a clean, polished guest environment.
• Support café operations as needed during busy periods.

General Responsibilities

• Assist with on-site and off-site events (e.g., food prep, floral arrangements, wine service).
• Wash and polish glassware.
• Break down and recycle cardboard and glass.
• Maintain cleanliness of the tasting room and all guest-facing areas.
• Answer phones and assist with guest inquiries.
• Conduct wine and non-wine inventories as needed.
• Restock retail merchandise and notify management of low inventory.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Hospitality Manager.

Qualifications

• Outstanding customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse guests.
• Wine knowledge preferred; willingness to learn required.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be able to work weekends, holidays, wine club events, and industry events.
• Fluent in English.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• 1–2 years of related experience preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong computer skills and POS experience preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to talk to customers, stand and walk for long periods of time
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly
• Must be able to effectively stock wine and non-wine merchandise, set-up and break down structures, tables and able to utilize dolly cart and other equipment to assist in moving heavy objects
• Ability to understand and accurately follow written and verbal instructions

Schedule

This is a part-time position, scheduled from 10:00am to 6:30pm. Weekend availability is required. We are seeking a candidate who can commit to 2–4 days per week.

Compensation

This is an hourly, part-time position. Position is eligible for pooled tips.

This position is eligible for the following benefits: employee discounts on wine (21 and over only), merchandise and zipline discounts at Margarita Adventures, time and a half holiday pay.

About Ancient Peaks

Ancient Peaks Winery is a family-owned estate winery in Santa Margarita, CA. Our wines reflect the character of our sustainably farmed Margarita Vineyard, the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles region. At our Tasting Room & Café, we welcome guests with genuine hospitality, artisan wines, and fresh, locally inspired cuisine. Our team is passionate about sharing the story of our land and creating unforgettable experiences that inspire guests to return again and again.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $ $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 13 – 32 per week

Application Question(s):

• Are you available to work around the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays? We are closed on major holidays (i.e. Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day).

Ability to Commute:

• Santa Margarita, CA Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18