Tasting Room/ Sales Manager

$55,000 - $55,000/Yr

Loew Vineyards - Mount Airy, MD

Full-time - Mid Level

Mount Airy, MD

Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing

About the position

Loew Vineyards is seeking a dynamic and experienced Tasting Room Manager to lead our tasting room and direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales operations. This role is pivotal in driving sales, managing staff, and ensuring exceptional customer experiences that reflect the rich history of the Loew family and the quality of our wines. The ideal candidate will be passionate about wine, hospitality, and sales, with a strong focus on creating memorable guest experiences.

Responsibilities

• Drive on and off-premise wine sales and club memberships.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to promote the tasting room through various channels and events.
• Work with the winemaker to create effective newsletters and marketing materials to drive sales.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the tasting room and online sales, ensuring high standards of customer service and operational efficiency.
• Implement strategies to drive sales and profitability.
• Collaborate with the winemaker, owner, and staff to ensure the business mission is met.
• Educate and guide staff and guests in wine tastings, effectively communicating the uniqueness of each varietal.
• Ensure each guest receives a memorable and high-quality experience that shares the history of the Loew family.
• Address and resolve customer concerns or feedback with professionalism and courtesy.
• Recruit, train, and manage a small team of tasting room staff.
• Foster a positive, engaging work environment, ensuring staff are knowledgeable and passionate about wine.
• Plan and execute wine-related events and private tastings, coordinating with vendors and staff for seamless execution.
• Manage inventory of wines and retail merchandise, ensuring proper stock levels are maintained and accurately tracked.
• Collaborate with the owner and winemaker to manage tasting room budgets, track sales performance, and ensure financial goals are met.
• Adhere to all relevant laws and regulations related to alcohol serving and sales.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Business Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of managerial experience in a winery tasting room, sales, or similar upscale hospitality environment.
• Knowledge of wines and the wine industry.
• Wine certification preferred, e.g. WSET or Court of Sommeliers.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and hold team members accountable for performance.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing sales strategies and enhancing customer experiences.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong organizational skills, with an ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience working with inventory management systems and the ability to analyze data for strategic decision-making.
• Proficiency in POS systems, Microsoft, and inventory management software.
• Proficiency in CRM, website, and marketing platforms (CANVA, Redchirp, Commerce7, Squarespace).
• Exceptional customer service and sales skills.
• Ability to carry 45 lbs (One case of wine).
• Must be 21 years or older with a valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in upscale hospitality environments.
• Knowledge of event planning and execution.

Benefits

• Employee discount
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities