Communication Skills, Cross-Functional, Detail Oriented, Establish Priorities, Food Delivery, Forklift, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Interpersonal Skills, Inventory Levels, Leadership, Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Maintain Compliance, Manual Dexterity, Multitasking, Operational Support, Order/Customer Fulfillment, Organizational Skills, Partner Sales, Point of Sale (POS) Systems, Problem Solving Skills, Procedure Development, Quality Management, Recycling, Retail, Retail Merchandising, Safety Standards, Safety/Work Safety, Sustainability, System Operations, Time Management
Position Overview
The Lead Tasting Room Helper/Associate is responsible for elevating the guest experience through operational excellence, team support, and floor leadership. This role serves as a key partner to Wine Sales Ambassadors and leadership, ensuring seamless service execution, consistent hospitality standards, and a well-maintained, guest-ready environment.
In partnership with the Tasting Room leadership team, this role sets the tone on the floor with the Tasting Room Helpers/Assistants-modeling service expectations, supporting team alignment, and proactively identifying opportunities to enhance both the guest and team experience.
At Wente Family Estates, performance is measured not only by results, but by how those results are achieved. All team members are expected to consistently demonstrate our RISE Values: Respect, Integrity, Sustainability, and Excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Guest Experience Leadership
- Model and uphold exceptional hospitality standards, ensuring every guest receives a warm, seamless, and memorable experience
- Act as a point of support on the floor, assisting with guest needs and helping to resolve service gaps in real time
- Anticipate guest flow and proactively adjust support to maintain an elevated and efficient experience
- Ensure tables are cleared, reset, and presentation-ready at all times
- Support food delivery while maintaining quality and adherence to health and safety standards
Floor Operations & Team Support
- Serve as a day-of operational leader to Tasting Room Helpers/Assistants, helping guide support associates and ensuring alignment with service expectations
- Partner with leadership to maintain strong communication across the floor during peak service periods
- Monitor pacing, cleanliness, and overall flow of service to ensure consistency and efficiency
- Conduct routine property walks to ensure all guest-facing areas meet brand standards
- Maintain organization of workspaces, including timely removal of trash and recycling
Tasting Room Standards & Execution
- Ensure the tasting room, patio, and all guest areas are consistently clean, stocked, and visually aligned with brand standards
- Oversee restocking of wine, merchandise, and service materials throughout the shift
- Support and maintain retail displays and merchandising standards
- Assist with opening and closing procedures, ensuring readiness for service and proper reset
Inventory & Supply Oversight
- Oversee proper stocking and rotation of wine inventory by varietal and vintage
- Maintain organization and cleanliness of wine storage and supply areas
- Monitor inventory levels of key supplies (packaging, shippers, bags, carriers) and communicate needs proactively
- Support shipping processes, labeling, and order fulfillment with attention to accuracy and efficiency
Events & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Support the execution of tasting room events, including setup, breakdown, and service flow
- Partner with kitchen, events, and leadership teams to ensure a cohesive and elevated guest experience
- Take initiative on special projects and support broader operational needs as directed
Qualifications & Skills
- Demonstrated experience in hospitality, retail, or winery environments. Previous leadership or lead experience in a hospitality or retail setting preferred
- Winery or tasting room experience strongly preferred
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to guide and support team members on the floor
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced setting
- Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to cleanliness, presentation, and service standards
- Proactive problem-solver with a team-first mindset
- Forklift experience (a plus, but not required)
- Safety-conscious with the ability to follow and reinforce established procedures
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
- Manual dexterity to operate POS systems, tablets, and basic equipment
- Ability to work in a dynamic indoor/outdoor environment
Sustainability Values Statement
Wente Family Estates is committed to environmental, social, and financial sustainability. Our company values are respect, integrity, sustainability and excellence. Wente Family Estates is an equal opportunity employer.