Wine Steward Server Event Staff

Grange Winery; Central Ontario; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Pooled tips

50% off wines

50% off food on-shift

25% off non-wine merchandise

Job summary

The Grange of Prince Edward invites applications for front-of-house roles at our winery in Prince Edward County. The ideal candidate will deliver warm hospitality, manage reservations, seat guests, and assist guests with wine and merchandise purchases.

Experience in tasting room, bartending, or banquet service is preferred; you should be able to stand long hours, lift 40 lbs, and work in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with scheduling, POS, OpenTable, and inventory control is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in tasting room, bartending, server, or banquet service preferred.
• Hospitality education or training is an asset.
• Stand for long periods, lift up to 40 lbs, walk tours, fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with scheduling, reservations, and inventory control systems.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in training and maintain compliance.
• Check OpenTable reservations and seat guests; assist with service.
• Sell wine, merchandise, and tasting experiences; operate POS.
• Conduct guided tastings and assist with private events.
• Maintain cleanliness, inventory, and labeling; support team.

Skills

Hospitality experience

Sales/service skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Tools

OpenTable reservations

POS systems

Scheduling software

Job description

Employer Introduction

Who are we?

The Grange of Prince Edward is a winery with an estate vineyard that was established in 2001. We were the 5th winery in Prince Edward County, and have some of the largest and oldest vineyards in the region. Our estate grown vinifera varietals are: Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc. We also blend and bottle wines made from County & Niagara fruit.

The Grange facility itself is comprised of many different rooms and spaces. Our Great hall which houses our tasting room and restaurant seating is a 200 year old renovated barn. The attached former hayloft is our event dining space and kitchen, and the former milking parlour for the barn is our barrel cellar. In 1999, a new addition was added to house our production area, tank cellar, offices, and workshop.

The Grange grounds feature 50 acres of vineyards with room to grow, a beautiful outdoor pond-side patio, a sprawling picnic area with outdoor kitchen, and vast grassy glade for outdoor events and weddings.

What do we offer the public?

The Grange of Prince Edward provides opportunities for wine tasting and dining year round. Our indoor tasting bar can host up to 30 guests at once. Several bars are also available outdoors on weekends during the summer months to handle the influx of wine seeking tourists. Indoors, we have a 40 seat restaurant. In the summer we also add an outdoor kitchen capable of serving 400 guests a day with walk-up service.

The Grange also hosts a variety of events both private and public. Our public events include Winterlude, Elevage, Terroir, Maple Madness, Countylicious, and our special ticketed dinner series: Fireside Feast. Our private events include weddings, receptions, private dinners, catered luncheons, and corporate events.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking qualified individuals to join our front of house staff. Our ideal candidate will possess an innate understanding of hospitality and what it means to take care of our guests. Dedication, reliability, and high-energy are required for these positions. Attention to detail, cleanliness, and organizational skills are also extremely important.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of this Role:

• Actively participate in and successfully complete all mandatory and assigned training programs to continuously develop skills and enhance professional knowledge.
• Maintain necessary Smart Serve compliance and carry a digital copy of your eCertificate for legal regulations.
• Utilize online scheduling software to stay up to date on shifts and availability.
• Follow all established policies and procedures outlined in the employee manual for consistency of service and professionalism.
• Contribute to a positive team environment that emphasizes cooperation and collaboration.
• Sell wine, merchandise, food, wine club memberships, and special event tickets. Serve tables, and tend bar.

Daily Operations:

• Check in with the Tasting Room Manager or FOH Supervisor at the beginning of each shift to receive daily tasks and station assignments.
• Perform cleaning duties before and after shifts, including sweeping, mopping, sanitizing surfaces, and maintaining restroom cleanliness.
• Maintain clean and organized bar and service areas by washing and polishing glasses, rolling cutlery, stocking inventory, and labeling merchandise as necessary.
• Ensure proper inventory control measures are followed, including recording the removal of tasting wine from the POS and labeling merchandise accurately.

Customer Service:

• Prioritize our guests' experience. Engage in a warm, welcoming manner to create a positive first impression.
• Check OpenTable reservations at the beginning of each shift and seat or direct guests accordingly.
• Elevate the guest experience through knowledge of viticulture, winemaking techniques, and regional wine styles.
• Pour wines according to established tasting procedures and suggest food and wine pairings based on customer preferences. Bring items to guest tables as required.
• Provide detailed descriptions of menu options and answer customer questions regarding merchandise and general tourist information.
• Assist guests with purchases, including wine, merchandise, and tasting experiences, while processing transactions accurately through POS systems.
• Conduct guided tours and tastings as needed, sharing information about winery history and special events.
• Participate in serving at private events, weddings, and corporate functions.
• Comply with company policies and ground rules to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.

Qualifications:

• Participation in, or completion of continuing education in the fields of hospitality, oenology, or viticulture is an asset.
• Previous tasting room, bartending, restaurant server, or banquet hall service experience is preferred.
• Passion for trying new foods and wines and a strong interest in county tourism to effectively promote our offerings and our community is admirable.
• The physical ability to stand for extended periods, carry a case of wine (40 lbs) up or down a flight of stairs, conduct walking tours around the property, and thrive in a frequently fast-paced environment is required.
• Proficiency in utilizing computer and smartphone technology for accurate personal scheduling, reservation management, and inventory control is required.

Benefits:

• Competitive wages.
• Participation in pooled tips
• 50% off wines.
• 50% off food on-shift.
• 25% off non-wine merchandise and off-shift food.