Tasting Room Associate

POSITION SUMMARY:The Tasting Room Associate is hospitality and wine professional responsible for providing the front line guest experience at Ponzi Vineyards. As a Tasting Room Associate you are responsible for providing the best possible experience to all of our Tasting Room guests by developing relationships that promote sales and brand loyalty. This position is the champion of customer service in creating the perfect balance of education and good times. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES: 

• Maintain winery image to reinforce standards of the brand 

• Greets all visitors warmly to the Tasting Room, pours wines for tastings, discusses wine, and responds to customer questions as appropriate 

• Ensure that every visitor enjoys their wine tasting experience and leaves with a very high impression of our wines and a memorable experience.   

• Consistently demonstrates outstanding customer service skills and poise and tact in working with the public 

• Ensure a steady growth of Ponzi Vineyards’ wine club by building relationships and signing up new members.  

• Educating guests about the history of Willamette Valley, Ponzi Vineyards’ history and legacy, and our wines. 

• Accurate use of all systems used in the day to day Tasting Room functions.   

• Ability to follow policies and procedures as well as written and verbal instruction. 

• Opening and closing procedures, which includes but is not limited to: setup and breakdown of tables and chairs, ensuring quality of wines poured, and all items related to Tasting Room operations 

• Restocking of wine and merchandise from the stock room into the Tasting Room 

• Maintaining the aesthetics of the winery with an impeccable eye for detail. 

• Takes the initiative for self-development in the areas of our wines, our brand, general hospitality, and for acquiring effective sales techniques and acumen. 

• Occasional VIP off-site private tastings 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Is knowledgeable about wines, accurately describes wines, winemaking techniques, winery history, appellations, and unique aspects of wines.  

• The desire to learn and grow every day is required.   

• Passion for wine in your day-to-day life 

• Winery experience preferred. At least one year related experience is required.   

• Retail sales experience: ability to present product, up sell & cross sell 

• Computer knowledge, skills & abilities (database experience) is required.  Experience with Wine Direct and Explore Tock is a plus.   

• Must be able to work weekends and flexible schedules according to the winery needs.   

• Professional appearance and pride in one’s work.  

• Demonstrate initiative and willingness to work events and special projects held off site and at the winery.   

• Work closely with other departments, such as DTC, Events, and Culinary, to ensure the business’ success 

• Business to business outreach – by phone and in person. 

• Must be a team player and maintain a positive disposition 

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time 

• Ability to lift 50lbs repeatedly. 

• Must have Food Handler’s Certificate and OLCC Server Permit. 

• Must be 21 years of age.   

Work week: To Be Determined by the Tasting Room Manager 

• Must be able to work weekends and flexible schedules 

Compensation: DOE