Wine Advisor

Casual Wine Tasting Room Associate

Job Summary:
We are seeking a friendly and knowledgeable Wine Tasting Room Associate to join our team on a casual basis. As a Tasting Room Associate, you will play a key role in creating a memorable wine tasting experience for our visitors. Your passion for wine, excellent customer service skills, and ability to communicate effectively will contribute to our guests' enjoyment and promote our winery's brand. This position offers a flexible schedule and an opportunity to work in a vibrant and customer-focused environment.

**Responsibilities**:
1. Wine Tasting Experience:

- Welcome guests to the tasting room, provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, and ensure exceptional customer service.
- Conduct wine tastings and guide visitors through our wine portfolio, explaining the characteristics, flavors, and production methods of each wine.
- Assist guests in selecting wines based on their preferences, food pairings, and occasion, and make recommendations to enhance their tasting experience.
- Educate customers about the winery's history, vineyards, and winemaking processes, showcasing our unique story.

2. Sales and Upselling:

- Promote and sell wines, wine club memberships, and merchandise to visitors, utilizing persuasive selling techniques.
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of our wines, vintages, and limited releases to effectively communicate their value and drive sales.
- Upsell additional products and experiences such as private tastings, winery tours, and special events to enhance guest satisfaction and revenue.

3. Customer Relationship Management:

- Build strong relationships with guests, create a personalized experience, and encourage repeat visits and customer loyalty.
- Respond to customer inquiries, provide recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, and accommodations, and offer general tourism information about the region.
- Collect customer contact information for future marketing and communication purposes.

4. Tasting Room Operations:

- Ensure the tasting room is clean, well-organized, and properly stocked with wines, glassware, and promotional materials.
- Assist with opening and closing procedures, including setting up tasting stations, arranging displays, and cash handling.
- Collaborate with the team to maintain accurate inventory records, restock wines, and monitor stock levels for reordering.

5. Wine Events and Promotions:

- Support the planning and execution of special events, including wine release parties, wine club events, and public tastings.
- Assist with event set-up, pouring wines, and engaging guests in a positive and enthusiastic manner.

Qualifications:

- Previous experience in a customer service or hospitality role is preferred but not essential.
- Passion for and knowledge of wines, including wine regions, varietals, and wine production processes.
- Outstanding customer service and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and connect with a diverse range of visitors.
- Strong communication skills to effectively convey wine-related information and engage guests in a friendly and informative manner.
- Sales-oriented mindset with the ability to upsell and drive revenue.
- Flexible schedule, including availability on weekends and holidays.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift boxes of wine.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Casual
Part-time hours: 16 per week

Pay: From R40.00 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Stellenbosch, Western Cape: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (required)