Tasting Room Associate
This is a unique opportunity to work at a small, premium winery in Oakland, CA. Côte West is an urban winery that produces about 2,000+ cases annually with fruit from long-standing grower relationships throughout (mostly) Sonoma. We work with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Counoise, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Carignan, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Pfeffer. We make rosé, red, white, Pétillant Naturel (sparkling), and an orange wine. Our tasting room and winery are co-located in a 6,000 sq. ft. facility in Embarcadero Cove. We offer tasting flights, wine by the glass or bottle, and local provisions. The tasting room and barrel room are also available for private events.
You will work closely with the winemaker and owner of Côte West and will get experience learning about many aspects of running a small winery beyond the tasting room.
The Tasting Room Associate will assist in many aspects of the guest experience for Côte West, including the hosting of wine tastings, providing wine education, and completing retail sales of wine. The Tasting Room Associate may also assist in special events, wine club activities, private events, and any other related tasks which involve direct guest contact.
Côte West’s tasting room hours are currently 2:00 - 6:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, which require a minimum availability of 1:15 pm - 6:30 pm on those days. Hours will shift one hour earlier in the winter. It would be ideal if the candidate has flexibility to cover both Saturdays and Sundays, though you will not be asked to work both days of the same weekend. With advanced planning, we can accommodate time off so that you still have some weekends free. Occasionally we host private events outside of these hours which we may ask you to help with, but this is not a requirement of employment.
Essential Functions:
Perform hospitality functions in the tasting room, greeting all guests, providing tasting and wine education.
Encourage and complete on site retail sales of wine using our POS (currently Square).
Promote Wine Club memberships to guests and process club sign-ups. Interact with Club Members. Provide club benefits to members when visiting the winery.
Provide adequate supplies of handouts, brochures, winemaker notes, maps, etc.
Perform various duties such as washing and stocking glasses, setting up outdoor tastings, completing general clean-up of all guest areas.
Qualifications:
Professional, positive demeanor, knowledge or at least passion for wine
Ability to connect with people through wine
Naturally dynamic sales skills with the ability to meet personal and team goals
Ability to conduct tours, host groups, and provide educational experience
Computer proficiency
Creative problem solver who can take direction but also work independently and is comfortable wearing different hats.
Must be 21 years of age
Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. on a regular basis
Ability to work weekends, and occasional evenings (though evening availability is not required)
Wine "expertise" is not a requirement but you should be passionate about wine, be able to speak knowledgeably and enthusiastically about it and have a desire to learn more. Experience in the restaurant or wine industry is preferred but not required.
This is a part time job without benefits.
Competitive hourly wage, commission, and significant employee discount on wine.
Respond with your resume and cover letter, highlighting any relevant experience, why you want this role, and your availability.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $20.00 per hour plus commission, tips, and incentives. When the tasting room is moderately busy, the actual take-home pay is closer to $30+ / hour.
