What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wine Retail Associate position at La Reprise Wines?
Wine Retail Sales Associate
La Reprise Wines – Burlington, VT (South End)
Job Type: Full-time / Part-time
Pay: Competitive hourly wage tips/commission (DOE)
Schedule: Weekends and some evenings required
About La Reprise Wines
La Reprise Wines is a curated wine shop, market, and bar in Burlington’s South End. We bring a hospitality-driven approach to wine retail—focused on thoughtful selection, genuine service, and creating a welcoming, community-centered experience.
We believe a great wine shop should feel like a great restaurant: warm, generous, and rooted in genuine care. We’re looking for someone who shares that philosophy and brings both wine knowledge and hospitality to the floor.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Wine Retail Sales Associate with a solid foundation in wine and a passion for working with people. This role is ideal for someone who is comfortable discussing wine with customers, making thoughtful recommendations, and contributing to a high-touch retail environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide personalized wine recommendations and exceptional customer service
- Engage customers in a warm, knowledgeable, and approachable manner
- Maintain and grow knowledge of wines, regions, and producers
- Stock, merchandise, clean, and organize the retail space
- Assist with tastings, events, and wine club fulfillment
- Support daily store operations and collaborate with the team
Qualifications
- 1 year of experience in wine retail, restaurants, or wine-focused hospitality preferred
- Strong interest in wine, food, and service
- Ability to confidently discuss wine styles, regions, and pairings
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Organized, reliable, and comfortable in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to lift 40 lbs and stand for extended periods
- Formal wine education (WSET, CMS, etc.) is a plus but not required
Why Work With Us
- Collaborative, team-oriented environment
- Opportunities for ongoing wine education and growth
- Employee discounts on wine and shop products
- A unique retail hospitality setting focused on experience and connection
Knockout Questions (really Application)
Please answer the following as part of your application:
- Are you at least 21 years of age? (Yes/No)
- Are you available to work weekends and some evenings? (Yes/No)
- Are you able to regularly lift and carry up to 40 lbs? (Yes/No)
- Do you have at least 1 year of experience in wine retail, restaurants, or wine-focused hospitality? (Yes/No)
- Which best describes your wine knowledge?
- Basic
- Intermediate (comfortable discussing regions, producers, styles)
- Advanced (formal training or extensive experience)
- Which of the following are you comfortable doing? (Select all that apply)
- Recommending wines based on customer preferences
- Explaining Old World vs. New World wines
- Suggesting food pairings
- Assisting with or leading tastings
- Briefly describe a recent wine you were excited about and why.
- A customer says: “I usually drink Meiomi—can you recommend something similar but better?” How would you respond?
- What role does hospitality play in a retail wine environment?
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a short note about your interest in wine and hospitality.
La Reprise Wines
388 Pine Street, Burlington, VT
Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Salary : $20 - $22