Wine Tasting & Guest Experience Manager

Description

Job Statement

Rosenblum Cellars, located on the beautiful waterfront at Jack London Square in Oakland, California, is a fun, energetic “family” sharing wonderful wines with new and long-time customers alike. Founded nearly 40 years ago by Kent Rosenblum, known as the “King of Zinfandel,” Rosenblum Cellars is an iconic winery with a loyal following.

The Wine Tasting & Guest Experience Manager is a senior leader responsible for creating, implementing, and sustaining an elevated hospitality program that reflects Rosenblum’s heritage, brand, and premium wine portfolio. This position oversees all aspects of tasting room operations, guest experience strategy, and on-site events — ensuring that every visitor leaves delighted and eager to return. The role combines operational oversight with strategic planning, P&L responsibility, and leadership in staff development, while aligning hospitality with broader marketing goals.

Qualifications

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Business & Staff Leadership

• Manage the entire tasting room and hospitality team to ensure a profitable, growing business.
• Recruit, interview, hire, and train new employees.
• Forecast staffing needs, create weekly schedules, and ensure coverage for peak times.
• Develop and implement a formal trainer role and training program.
• Counsel and coach employees to maintain high performance standards.
• Address and resolve staffing concerns promptly.
  
  

Guest Experience & Service Standards

• Facilitate service standards that ensure every guest leaves happy and motivated to return.
• Personally interact with guests, wine club members, and VIPs to ensure satisfaction with service, wines, and food offerings.
• Educate staff and guests on Rosenblum’s wines — both new releases and existing selections.
• Maintain a positive, welcoming, and fun atmosphere that reflects Rosenblum’s brand.
  
  

Operational Excellence

• Oversee reservations through the OpenTable system and train staff in its use.
• Ensure compliance with safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service procedures.
• Monitor and adjust tasting room workflows for efficiency and guest comfort.
• Partner with kitchen and catering teams for food and wine experiences.
  
  

Strategic & Financial Management

• Develop and implement an annual hospitality business plan aligned with Rosenblum’s brand objectives.
• Manage departmental budget, track P&L, forecast revenue, and control costs to meet profitability goals.
• Utilize guest feedback, sales metrics, and reservation data to refine offerings and staffing.
• Partner with marketing and DTC teams to enhance wine club growth, member retention, and event participation.
  
  

Job Requirements Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment and remain composed under pressure.
• Proficient in POS systems, reservation platforms (OpenTable preferred), and standard computer applications.
• Skilled communicator and motivator with a focus on team building.
  
  

Education & Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of hospitality or tasting room management experience, with 2+ years in a leadership capacity.
• Customer service and sales experience in a high-volume or premium environment.
• Over 21 years old; must hold or obtain Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification.
• Wine knowledge required; WSET Level 2 or equivalent preferred
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift a 40 lb. case of wine
• Stand and walk for long periods of time
  
  

Work Environment

• Limited noise level
• Indoor climate
  
  

Personal Protective Equipment Required

• Side shield safety glasses, head/ear protection, high-visibility vest and proper footwear when in production facility.