Lead Wine Ambassador

Job Title: Lead Wine Ambassador
Location: Merriam Vineyards, Healdsburg, CA
Reports to: Tasting Room Manager
Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

About Merriam Vineyards:

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County's renowned wine country, Merriam Vineyards is a family-owned winery in Healdsburg, CA, known for producing premium wines from estate-grown grapes. Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and hospitality drives everything we do. We are passionate about creating memorable wine experiences for our guests, and we are looking for a dedicated and dynamic Lead Wine Ambassador to join our team and help us continue to elevate the guest experience.

Job Overview:

The Lead Wine Ambassador will be an integral part of the Merriam Vineyards Tasting Room team, providing leadership and direction to ensure exceptional guest experiences. This role will focus on sharing the story and philosophy of Merriam Vineyards while educating and guiding guests through tastings of our wines. As the primary liaison between guests and the winery, the Lead Wine Ambassador will ensure that all guests feel welcome, engaged, and educated. Additionally, this role involves assisting with daily operations, mentoring staff, and promoting Merriam wines to customers and visitors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Guest Experience Leadership:
• Lead and guide guests through memorable, personalized wine tastings that highlight the quality and history of Merriam wines.
• Build strong, lasting relationships with customers, ensuring a welcoming and educational experience.
• Provide expert knowledge about our wines, winemaking process, and vineyard practices, adjusting the presentation for various levels of wine knowledge.
• Create an inviting and engaging atmosphere in the tasting room, ensuring the highest standards of hospitality are maintained.
• Conduct private and group tours, providing an immersive wine experience that reflects the values of Merriam Vineyards.
• Team Leadership & Training:
• Oversee and mentor the wine ambassador team, ensuring they are well-versed in product knowledge and delivering a consistent guest experience.
• Collaborate with the Tasting Room Manager to train and coach new ambassadors on customer service best practices and sales techniques.
• Lead by example in maintaining professionalism, energy, and enthusiasm for the brand and products.
• Sales & Promotions:
• Drive wine sales by presenting and promoting wine club memberships, wine sales, and special offerings.
• Actively participate in tasting room sales goals, ensuring the team meets or exceeds targets.
• Suggest and promote wine pairings, merchandise, and promotional items.
• Event Support:
• Assist in planning and executing tasting room events, seasonal promotions, and private wine club gatherings.
• Represent Merriam Vineyards at off-site events, festivals, and trade shows when needed.
• Administrative and Operational Duties:
• Assist in daily operations of the tasting room, including opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and inventory management.
• Maintain an organized and clean tasting room environment.
• Help with the planning and execution of special events, wine releases, and private tastings.
• Work collaboratively with the marketing and sales teams to create promotional materials and enhance the brand experience.
• Assist in other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Experience:
• 3 years of experience in a winery, hospitality, or customer service role, with at least 1 year in a leadership capacity.
• Strong passion for wine, with a deep knowledge of wine varietals, regions, and food pairings.
• Experience in conducting wine tastings, tours, and/or events is highly preferred.
• Education:
• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• A degree in hospitality, business, marketing, or a related field is a plus.
• WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification or equivalent wine education is highly desirable.
• Skills & Abilities:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-centric approach.
• Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• A proven track record of sales and upselling wine products.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Comfortable with TOCK, Commerce 7, and CANVA or equivalent
• Physical Requirements:
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Must be 21 years or older.

Additional Information:

• Job Type: Full Time, Non-exempt
• Job Category: DTC, Tasting Room and Retail
• Job Level: Associate
• Compensation: $24 - $29/hr depending on experience, wine sales commission, wine club sign up commission, tips
• Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k); paid time off; wine discounts; opportunities for growth and professional development.
• Work Schedule: Regular Schedule Thursday – Monday; flexibility is required, including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid training
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Commission pay
• Hourly pay

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $24 - $29