Tasting Room Manager

Job Title: Tasting Room Manager

Department: Tasting Room

Reports to: 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Summary: Michael David Winery is seeking a dynamic and customer-focused Tasting Room Manager to oversee all aspects of our tasting room operations. This role requires an enthusiastic leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional hospitality, driving sales, and maintaining the highest standards of service. The Tasting Room Manager will collaborate closely with the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Manager to implement strategies that elevate customer experience, increase profitability, and ensure seamless operational efficiency. A key part of the role is fostering a positive and motivated team environment that nurtures brand loyalty, inspires guest engagement, and ensures an unforgettable visitor experience. If you are a proactive, solutions-oriented leader with a passion for wine and customer service, we’d love to meet you!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Managerial:

• Hire, onboard, and train new team members ensuring sufficient staffing year-round. 
• Lead and motivate Tasting Room staff to ensure they are knowledgeable about our brand, products, and winemaking techniques.
• Train in depth in our POS processes, and processes for signing up new members, fulfilling club orders, and collecting customer contact information.
• Promote a positive, team-oriented culture that encourages collaboration and growth.
• Continuously provide feedback and development opportunities to encourage team members’ growth and retention.
• Ensure all guests receive the highest level of hospitality, creating memorable experiences that drive customer loyalty.
• Be proactive in addressing guest needs and anticipating requests to enhance their visit.
• Provide exceptional service and tailored experiences for VIP, trade, and other high-profile guests in collaboration with marketing and wholesale teams.
• Oversee daily sales and implement strategies to drive revenue and profitability in the tasting room and store channels.
• Effectively train the team on wine club sales tactics, hitting monthly sign-up goals.
• Maximize the use of reservation systems to ensure healthy and growing visitation.
• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the tasting rooms and store, including training on opening and closing procedures, inventory management, and POS system usage.
• Continuously assess operational practices to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve guest experience.
• Maintain accurate inventory of wines, merchandise, and food, ensuring proper ordering, organization, and physical inventory counts. 
• Collaborate with vendors and other departments to ensure inventory levels meet demand without excess and merchandise adheres to brand standards.
• Stay current with brand initiatives and ensure they are integrated into daily operations and implement new ideas.
• Handle customer inquiries and concerns professionally and effectively.
• Ensure staff is trained to resolve any customer issues with empathy and efficiency.
• Be well-versed in Wine Club programs, benefits, and procedures.
• Work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings, to meet the needs of the business.
• Adapt to changing priorities and find creative solutions to challenges as they arise.
• Regularly report on sales, staff performance, inventory levels, and guest feedback.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure cohesive brand messaging and operational alignment.
• Maintain and master tasting room systems (Cash Management, Wine Direct, Commerce7, ShipCompliant, Tock, Toast, maintain online web shop, etc.).
• ADP Payroll processing bi-weekly.
• Uphold OSHA standards, and maintain Responsible Beverage Certification and Food Handlers Card.
• Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of Michael David Winery’s wine offerings, history, winemaking techniques, and brand values.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5 years combined work experience in tasting room, or hospitality fields 
• 3 years management experience at a winery or related field
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, with good presentation skills. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong proficiency with Wine Direct, Commerce7, Toast and Tock a plus. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Bachelor's Degree a plus

WSET a plus