Estate Ambassador
(Wine Jobs:
Wine Retail & Sommelier)
Full Time
Sonoma,
California
Hamel Family Wines (HFW) is a family owned and run winery in Sonoma Valley and is seeking an experienced wine professional with a sales and hospitality background for the position of Estate Ambassador. (Tasting Room Host) HFW is a biodynamic, premium, limited-production winery primarily focused on producing high-quality, terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon blends from estate vineyards in Sonoma Valley and the Moon Mountain District. HFW has curated an unparalleled hospitality program that devotes the same level of meticulous attention that is given in the vineyards and winery. The experience delivered to guests serves as the backbone of HFW’s direct-to-consumer sales program.
This position will work as a part of HFW’s hospitality team to drive direct-to-consumer sales by successfully implementing high-end hospitality experiences at the Estate House. The successful candidate must be energetic & positive, have a background in wine education, have a successful track record of wine sales and be driven to reach and surpass goals. The candidate must also be an enthusiastic team player who enjoys being part of a growing and successful family business. This is a full-time position, requiring workdays on both Saturdays and Sundays. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and will include a competitive commission and benefits package.
Estate Ambassador Roles and Responsibilities
- Host and guide guests through the Hamel estate and winery tour
- Provide memorable luxury tasting experiences.
- Maintain and continuously expand personal knowledge of the winery and its wines
- Engage guests with wine and brand education. Accurately describe wines and winemaking techniques.
- Record customer notes and keep records for future visits.
- Develop long term DTC customer relationships through executing sales and impeccable service.
- Promote and sell wine club memberships.
- Enthusiastically support hospitality team, flow, and operations.
- Participate in morning set up, buff glasses, prepare for individual seating, and tear down following visits, and maintain a clean environment.
- Perform daily operations including opening and closing procedures, restocking and bottle counts.
- Ensure the latest updates, changes and additions to all experiences are communicated to guests.
- Host VIP trade visitors as needed.
- Provide back up for HFW’s concierge services.
- Support special events as needed.
- Assist in telephone and email communications with visitors and club members.
- Other duties as assigned.
Estate Ambassador Qualifications
- Winery, retail restaurant or other sales experience required.
- The ideal candidate should pe passionate about wine and learning.
- Must be a goal-driven team player with a positive attitude.
- Ambassadors need to be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
- Need to maintain composure and be problem solver even in difficult situations.
- Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
- Must be willing to speak in front of large and small groups.
- Be willing to be an informal promoter of Hamel wines outside of the winery.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills are necessary.
- Wine education and experience. Credentials such as CSW, CMS or WSET a plus.
- The position often requires working on your feet for long periods of time.
- Candidates must have the ability to lift 50 pounds
- Must be at least 21 years old.
The Estate Ambassador position at Hamel Family Wines is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate who is a results-driven, team player, has a positive attitude, and is a creative problem solver.
In addition to the compensation package, HFW seeks to foster a positive workplace environment and provides all staff with a generous benefit program that includes two weeks paid vacation and a one-week holiday in December. Hamel Family Wines also provides health, vision, and dental insurance for all employees and their dependents. Additional benefits include a 401K plan with company match, two cases of wine per year, and lunch and snacks provided daily.
