What are the responsibilities and job description for the Full-Time Wine Educator & Host position at Vineburg Wine Company?
Title: Wine Educator & Host (Full-Time)
Department: Hospitality & Consumer Sales
Reports To: Hospitality Manager(s)
Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time
About Bundschu Company
Join California's oldest continuously family-owned winery as a full-time Wine Educator & Host. Share exceptional wines, create memorable guest experiences, and build your hospitality career while receiving mentorship, professional development, and ongoing wine education in the heart of Sonoma Valley.
For more than 165 years, Bundschu Company has created memorable experiences through exceptional wines, authentic hospitality, and a deep commitment to the land. Gundlach Bundschu and Abbot's Passage are rooted in storytelling, community, innovation, and Regenerative Organic Certified® farming practices. Every bottle has a story, every guest deserves an exceptional experience, and every team member plays an important role in bringing our family legacy to life.
Position Summary
This is a unique opportunity to build a career in wine hospitality with one of Sonoma Valley's most respected family-owned wineries.
The Wine Educator serves as a brand ambassador for Bundschu Company, creating memorable experiences through engaging storytelling, exceptional hospitality, and thoughtful wine education. This position primarily supports Gundlach Bundschu while also assisting with private events and experiences at Abbot's Passage as business needs require.
We are looking for an energetic, hospitality-minded professional who enjoys connecting with people, learning continuously, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Whether you are already passionate about wine or eager to deepen your knowledge, you will receive ongoing training, coaching, and mentorship from an experienced hospitality leadership team committed to helping you grow professionally.
This role combines hospitality, wine education, relationship building, and sales. Successful candidates enjoy meeting new people, sharing authentic stories, working collaboratively with a team, and helping guests discover wines they love.
Because this is a full-time benefited position, candidates must have flexible availability, including weekends, holidays, and evening shifts on Fridays and Saturdays.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base hourly rate of $20.00 per hour
- Participation in a pooled tip program averaging approximately $10.00–$15.00 per hour in additional earnings
- Additional service fees earned through private events and large group experiences
- Wine Club signup commissions
- Comprehensive benefits package available to eligible full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 401k with a company match
Actual earnings may vary based on seasonality, guest volume, event activity, and individual performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver exceptional hospitality experiences through tastings, tours, wine club experiences, and special events.
- Welcome guests with warmth, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm.
- Educate guests on Bundschu Company wines, vineyards, family history, and Regenerative Organic Certified® farming practices.
- Confidently recommend wines and experiences while achieving wine sales, wine club, and guest engagement goals.
- Serve as a brand ambassador for Gundlach Bundschu, Abbot’s Passage, and Bundschu Company.
- Support hospitality experiences, private events, and special programs across multiple properties.
- Develop strong relationships with guests that foster loyalty and repeat visits.
- Maintain deep and continually growing wine knowledge through training and self-development.
- Utilize AMS/POS systems to process sales, memberships, shipping orders, and guest account updates.
- Assist with opening, closing, setup, breakdown, and maintaining hospitality spaces.
- Collaborate with team members across departments to ensure seamless guest experiences.
- Demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, accountability, and a positive attitude at all times.
Why This Role Is Different
This is more than a tasting room position. As a member of the Bundschu Company hospitality team, you will have the opportunity to learn from experienced hospitality leaders, deepen your wine knowledge through ongoing education and mentorship, and represent one of California’s most historic and respected family-owned wine brands. You will work with premium wines, host guests from around the world, support exclusive events and experiences, and become part of a team dedicated to authentic hospitality, continuous learning, and creating memorable moments.
Qualifications
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Previous hospitality, wine, restaurant, hotel, tourism, retail, or customer service experience preferred.
- Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences.
- Strong communication skills and confidence engaging with diverse guests.
- Sales-minded approach with the ability to comfortably recommend products and ask for the sale.
- Professional appearance and demeanor.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Willingness to learn, grow, and receive coaching.
- Flexible availability, including weekends, holidays, and evening shifts on Fridays and Saturdays.
Physical Requirements
- Lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Stand and walk for extended periods throughout a shift in both an indoor and outdoor environment.
- Perform bending, reaching, carrying, and other physical movements required in a hospitality environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Bundschu Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. We celebrate diversity and are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Salary : $20 - $35