Tasting Room Sales Lead

Tasting Room Lead

Reports to:

Sr. Retail & Hospitality Manager

Status:
Full Time, Non-Exempt (Benefits Eligible)

Location:

Rutherford, CA

Rutherford Hill Winery is seeking an exceptional candidate for the role of Tasting Room Lead. The Tasting Room Lead is a key brand ambassador for Rutherford Hill and is responsible for providing guests top of class hospitality and customer service. This position ensures each guest has a memorable and exceptional winery experience, where the focus is on the brand story, customer service, wine education and sales, and wine club sign ups.

The Lead works closely with the Sr. Retail and Hospitality Manager to support the day‑to‑day operations of the Tasting Room.

Rutherford Hill is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines while fostering a welcoming and educational experience for our guests. We are committed to sustainability, quality, and storytelling—offering immersive tastings that bring our wines and vineyards to life.

We are seeking a Tasting Room Lead to oversee guest experiences, host engaging wine tastings, and educate visitors on our wines, winemaking philosophy, and sustainability practices. This role is perfect for a passionate wine professional with leadership skills, a talent for hospitality, and a deep knowledge of viticulture and wine service.

• Lead interactive and engaging wine tastings, ensuring a memorable and educational experience for guests.
• Share detailed knowledge of our wines, winemaking process, and vineyard sustainability efforts.
• Assist guests with wine selection and purchases, offering pairing recommendations and insights.
• Uphold exceptional customer service standards, creating a welcoming environment for all visitors.

• Oversee daily tasting room operations, ensuring smooth service and an outstanding guest experience.
• Assist with inventory management, including stocking wine, glassware, and merchandise.
• Process sales transactions, wine club sign-ups, and reservations using POS systems.
• Meet and exceed sales goals by recommending wine club memberships and exclusive offerings.

• Train and mentor tasting room staff on wine knowledge, service techniques, and customer engagement.
• Ensure staff maintains winery standards in presentation, cleanliness, and hospitality.
• Support the Hospitality Manager with scheduling, event execution, and operational tasks.

• Lead private tastings, wine education classes, and VIP experiences.
• Assist in hosting winery events, dinners, and release parties.
• On occasion represent Rutherford Hill offsite for consumer and trade tastings, networking mixers, or outreach efforts.

• Wine Knowledge & Passion – Strong understanding of viticulture, winemaking, and wine service. Certification (WSET, CMS, CSW, or equivalent) is a plus.
• Hospitality & Sales Experience – Previous experience in a tasting room, restaurant, or wine retail setting preferred.
• Leadership Skills – Ability to train, motivate, and lead a team with enthusiasm and professionalism.
• Customer‑Centric Approach – Strong communication skills and a natural ability to engage with guests.
• Tech‑Savvy – Comfortable using POS systems, reservation platforms, and CRM tools.
• Physical Requirements – Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to work weekends and holidays.
• Minimum Age – Must be at least 21 years in age.

• Competitive pay + tips/commissions
• Employee discounts on wine and merchandise
• Ongoing wine education and training opportunities
• Opportunities to participate in vineyard and winemaking activities
• Career growth in the wine industry