Hospitality and Events Manager

Department: DTC, Tasting Room and Retail

Reports to: Executive Director

JOB SUMMARY:

The Hospitality and Event Manager (HEM) at VintEdge Winery is responsible for orchestrating exceptional guest experiences, managing event operations, and driving wine sales in our custom crush, small-lot environment. This role focuses on elevating brand presence and surpassing guest expectations through strategic event planning, personalized service, and a collaborative approach with staff and other departments. With a commitment to creating memorable interactions, the HEM will work to achieve core business objectives, including wine sales, client engagement, and DTC membership growth. The ideal candidate has a refined palate, strong wine knowledge, and a genuine passion for cultivating relationships with new and returning clients to drive revenue and enhance the VintEdge experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The HEM may oversee a small team of tasting room and event support staff in the future, ensuring quality service and seamless event operations. This role is brand new, and we are in a building phase as of this posting.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

GUEST EXPERIENCE MANAGEMENT:

• Lead wine tastings, private events and provide an educational and memorable experience for guests.
• Act as a brand ambassador, sharing knowledge of our custom crush services, educated winery staff and a specifics per wine maker as requested.
• Ensure all guest interactions align with our quality standards and reflect our commitment to personalized service.

EVENT PLANNING AND EXECUTION:

• Design, coordinate, and execute a variety of events, including private tastings, corporate gatherings, wine releases, and special occasions.
• Customize event offerings to align with client preferences, maintaining a high level of attention to detail and client satisfaction.
• Manage all logistics, from vendor coordination to on-site event setup and post-event feedback.

SALES AND MEMBERSHIP GROWTH:

• Actively drive wine sales and memberships by engaging guests, educating them on our offerings, and converting interest into sales.
• Develop and implement sales strategies to meet revenue targets, with a commission-based incentive structure.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create promotional campaigns and enhance visibility for winery events.

WINE EDUCATION AND CURATION:

• Utilize wine expertise to curate and recommend wine selections for tastings, events, and memberships.
• Stay updated on industry trends, wine tasting techniques, and Napa Valley offerings to enhance guest experiences.
• Conduct staff training on wine service, tasting protocols, and customer engagement.

POLICY ENFORCEMENT:

• Ensure consistent application of winery policies regarding customer service, safety, and event management.
• Uphold standards of professionalism, hospitality, and accountability among the team.

LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC PLANNING:

• Support the Executive Director in developing strategic plans to expand the winery’s hospitality and sales footprint.
• Provide insight on guest feedback and market trends to help guide decision-making on hospitality offerings and event planning.
• Engage with industry stakeholders to strengthen VintEdge’s network, visibility, and reputation.

OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT:

• Oversee the setup, execution, and breakdown of events, ensuring that each is handled efficiently and with attention to quality.
• Collaborate with facility staff to ensure optimal use of resources, maintaining a well-organized event space and tasting room.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, seeking feedback and implementing changes to enhance guest experiences.

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT AND COMPLIANCE:

• Manage event budgets and control costs associated with event execution and guest services.
• Ensure compliance with local and industry regulations, including alcohol service, safety protocols, and event permits.

CLIENT AND STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS:

• Foster positive relationships with clients, industry stakeholders, and vendors, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction and repeat business.
• Represent VintEdge at industry events and in the community, enhancing the winery’s reputation and expanding its client base.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Business, Enology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in a hospitality or event management role, ideally within the wine or food and beverage industry.
• Skills: Strong wine knowledge, excellent sales skills, experience with event planning, and a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout winery facilities (tasting room, private tasting rooms upstairs and/or through production spaces).
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and move event equipment as needed.
• Must be able to work in both indoor and outdoor settings, sometimes in varying weather conditions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This role requires flexibility, with the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for events. Adherence to safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory when in production.

TOTAL COMPENSATION:

· $85,000 - $110,000 Base Salary Pay Band. Salary offered is based on years of direct sales in wine, hospitality and guest facing tasting room experience.

· Commission based incentive pay, to be coordinated with the selected candidate.

· Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance, portion of coverage is company paid for employee and partner/dependents enrolled in the plan.

· Company paid life insurance policy at 1x salary.

· 401k Safe Harbor Basic match (100% match of contributions on the first 3% deferred, then 50% of contributions from 3% to 5%)

· Employee discount on select varietals/brands

· Company Paid Holidays (9+ annually)

· Vacation Time (10 calendar days)

· Sick Time (front loaded or prorated based on hire date)

EEOC & DFEH STATEMENT:

VintEdge Winery is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join our team in fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace.