Winery Host

Sugrue South Downs; Wivelsfield Green; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A boutique winery in England is seeking a Winery Host to manage guest experiences and tastings, as well as assist with sales. Successful candidates should have a strong interest in fine wines and related qualifications. This role includes regular weekend work and offers a competitive salary along with generous staff discounts.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Generous staff discount on wine purchases

Regular wine tasting opportunities

Opportunity to assist with harvest

Qualifications

• 1-2 years minimum in an events/sommelier/cellar door/wine retail role.
• Experience with handling, storing, and serving fine wines.
• Driving licence and own transport.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests and host tutored tastings.
• Manage bookings and event preparations.
• Assist with sales and managing inventory.
• Communicate with guests and follow up for feedback.

Skills

Interest in fine and English wine

Positive attitude

Excellent written and verbal communication

Sales ability

Education

WSET qualifications (Level 3 or above)

Job description

Overview

Sugrue South Downs is the award-winning producer of boutique English sparkling and still wines made by celebrated winemakers Dermot and Ana Sugrue.

As our cellar door and events offering grows, we are now recruiting a Winery Host to join our team from December 2025/January 2026.

Key responsibilities

• Welcome guests, provide background knowledge to the business, our winemakers, and the English wine industry, and host tutored tastings of our range of sparkling and still wines
• Mange bookings, compile and print tasting sheets, menus, and event attendance lists
• Set up the tasting room ahead of events and ensure it is kept clean and tidy, with glasses polished, fridges stocked, sales stock replenished, etc
• Order event sundries (e.g. cheese, charcuterie, crackers, water) via external suppliers
• Manage our cellar door retail offering, assisting customers with wine sales and booking future events, liaising with our warehouse team for deliveries/stock transfers
• Manage winery stocktake
• Communicate with guests in advance of tastings and follow up for feedback, reviews, sales
• Write event/sales report for directors
• Assist with Winemaker Tastings on the last Friday of each month
• Assist with the organisation and hosting of monthly trade tastings
• Assist with the organisation and hosting of Sugrue Sundays and other one-off events
• Provide ad hoc support to other areas of the business, as required

Who you will work with

Reporting to: Marketing Director, Sales Director, Winemaker

Working with: Assistant Winemaker, Warehouse Assistant, Estate Manager

External: Customers/guests, Suppliers, Contract workers

Direct reports: n/a

We’re looking for someone with

• A keen interest in fine and English wine, with an understanding of viticulture/wine production
• WSET qualifications (Level 3 or above is desirable. Training will be available, if required)
• 1-2 years minimum in an events/sommelier/cellar door/wine retail role
• Experience with handling, storing, and serving fine wines
• A positive attitude and a willingness to jump in and help out with the varied needs of a small business
• A warm and confident demeanour, with excellent written, verbal, and organisational skills
• A natural sales ability and a capacity to build long-term customer relationships

Essential requirements

• The right to work in the UK
• Driving licence and own transport

Benefits

• This is a brand-new and fulfilling role to make your own, working at one of England’s most exciting boutique wineries
• A competitive salary based on experience
• A generous staff discount on wine purchases
• Regular wine tasting opportunities with the team
• The opportunity to assist with harvest, if desired

The role will be based at our winery in Wivelsfield Green over five days (45 hours) per week. Please note that this role includes regular weekend work and varied shift patterns. There may also be occasional attendance required at events off-site.

To apply, send your cover letter and CV to [e-mail]