Tasting Room Manager
Location: Santa Ynez Valley, California
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports to: CEO
About Us
Our renowned organic vineyard and winery estate welcomes over 60,000 guests annually to experience world-class wines and a scenic tasting room, as well as a private residence that serves as a destination for luxury weddings, private events, and lodging. Rooted in sustainability, hospitality, and elevated wine experiences, our mission is to create unforgettable moments through the harmony of cuisine, wine, and nature.
Position Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Tasting Room Manager to lead the daily operations, sales performance, and guest experience at our high-volume tasting room. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping and executing our hospitality vision, managing a high-performing team, and driving revenue through strategic wine, club, and merchandise sales.
Key Responsibilities
Tasting Room Operations
- Oversee all aspects of daily tasting room (TR) operations, including opening and closing procedures, scheduling, and compliance.
- Develop and continuously improve guest tasting experiences and service protocols.
- Manage tasting menu design and updates in collaboration with the creative, culinary, and winemaking teams.
- Collaborate with culinary team to deliver seamless wine and culinary experiences.
- Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor TR sales and host team.
- Conduct performance reviews, staff coaching, and weekly internal newsletters.
- Manage compliance for wine service and safety protocols.
- Maintain and manage POS and TR music systems.
- Handle tip and commission tracking and reporting.
Sales & Strategy
- Develop and execute TR sales strategy across wine, club memberships, food, and merchandise.
- Lead by example on the floor, coaching and motivating the team to meet sales goals.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to drive tasting room traffic and seasonal promotions.
- Track and report daily sales and cash flow activity (Daily Cash Sheets).
Direct-to-Trade Sales
- Direct and manage small-scale, local Direct-to-Trade (DTT) sales strategy and execution.
Events & Community Relations
- Represent the winery at community events and trade shows; manage banners, flags, promo materials.
- Build and maintain relationships with local hotels, tour operators, and VIP concierge teams.
- Assist with winery-hosted events as needed.
Inventory & Procurement
- Oversee all TR inventory management for bottled wine, food/non-food merchandise, and supplies.
- Ensure proper display, restocking, and preservation procedures to minimize loss.
- Investigate inventory variances and implement loss prevention systems.
- Manage wine movement logistics for Wine Direct shipments and internal ordering.
- Source and manage tasting room supplies with attention to budget and cost control.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience managing a winery tasting room or hospitality/retail environment.
- Proven leadership in sales strategy and team management.
- Strong understanding of wine, food service, and hospitality operations.
- Proficiency in POS systems, inventory platforms, and Google Workspace.
- Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills.
- Ability to work weekends, holidays, and special events as needed.
- Must be 21+ and able to lift 40 lbs.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and bonus structure
- Wine club and employee discounts
- Opportunity to be part of a passionate and growing team shaping the future of hospitality and wellness
- A stunning work environment on an award-winning estate
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Wine /Hospitality Management: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Santa Ynez, CA 93460 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Santa Ynez, CA 93460: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person