Job Description

Position Summary

The Tasting Room Associate is the initial contact for visitors to the SIMI Winery Tasting Room.  The primary functions of this position are promoting the sale of wine and giftware, enhancing our Company and estate image, and providing excellent customer service and wine education to the consumer.

Responsibilities

Tasting Room Sales and Service

Promote and sell SIMI wines and merchandise by assisting and educating guests in tasting wines and making purchasing decisions.
Share knowledge about all SIMI wines and merchandise in an open and friendly manner with the goal of helping customers develop enthusiasm and appreciation of our wines.
Promote membership in wine club as applicable.
Greet all guests promptly and graciously and provide knowledgeable, consistent, and courteous responses to questions, complaints and/or problems.  Ensure that all problems are resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.  Refer to management as appropriate.
Fulfill customer orders and use cash register to complete sales.  Properly operate cash registers and accurately follow transaction procedures.
Assist guests with transporting purchases to their vehicle or arrange for pick-up, shipment, or delivery.
Ensure that merchandise displays and tasting bar are kept in immaculate condition.
Setup tasting bar with necessary supplies.  Wash tasting glasses and assist with another cleanup as needed.
Serve weekend food programing including pizza, cheese plates and other food pairings as ordered by guests, following all appropriate food handling procedures.
Record tasting wines used.  Make sure empty bottles are put in appropriate holding area.
Assist in training and orientation for new and/or on-call staff.
Responsible for compliance with CWUS sustainability policies and practices which are economically viable, socially acceptable, and environmentally sound.  This is done by supporting programs at each location for conservation, energy efficiency, and recycling, which are critical for our operations to achieve tangible environmental results.

Safety-follow safe operating procedures, support safety programs and policies to safeguard personal safety, company property, environmental and team member’s safety.

Tours and Wine Education

Conduct daily public tours, reserved group and private tours, and tours for trade as scheduled.

Host/Serve specialty programs, lunches or dinner as assigned.
Promote and represent winery by pouring at off and on-premise special events.
Maintain, update and expand knowledge of the winery, viticulture, enology and food by participating in educational training, seminars and tastings within the Winery and through outside sources.

Opening and Closing Procedures and Financial Responsibilities (may apply)

Perform and/or oversee daily cash reconciliation and opening/close of day responsibilities on cash register with RMS POS system.

Inventory Support (may apply)

Ensure merchandise is tagged, fold clothing as needed, and assist in keeping stockroom neat and organized.
May assist with quarterly wine or merchandise physical inventories.
Will support restocking of case inventory.

Culinary Support

Assist chefs in the kitchen with preparation of food assigned by Winery chef or Sous Chef for all events including cleaning and cutting of food items.
Handle, store and rotate all products properly.

Provide dishwashing and kitchen cleaning duties as assigned by Winery Chef or Sous Chef
Maintain a clean and sanitary workstation area.
Understand and comply with quality standards and kitchen rules, policies, and procedures of CWUS.

Thoroughly clean and sanitize the kitchen and all kitchen and dining room food service equipment in a timely manner, using the professional dishwashing equipment provided and return all items to their proper storage areas.
Organize and consolidate walk-in or refrigerators on a need to basis.
Maintain a high standard of personal hygiene at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a genuine desire to help customers in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner. Ability to work under pressure and on tight deadlines and to multi-task effectively. Professional phone and email skills with a strong team-oriented work ethic.
Knowledge of wines, wine production and the wine industry.
4-6 years’ experience in a high-volume, luxury retail, restaurant, or hospitality environment.
Proficient with PC software including Microsoft Word and Excel.
Intermediate math skills
Foreign language skills a definite plus
High School diploma/GED

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Must be able to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Must be able sit and/or stand for long periods of time, and work on a computer for extended periods.
Must be able to work both inside and outside in varied weather conditions.
Ability to lift up to 55 lbs regularly.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be at least 21 years of age.