Tasting Room Manager

Jonathan Edwards Winery; North Stonington (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts on wine and merch

Paid training and professional develop

Paid time off

Tips

Job summary

Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, CT is seeking a hospitality-driven Tasting Room Manager to lead daily operations, deliver memorable guest experiences, and drive wine sales while overseeing a small team.

You will train staff, manage events, coordinate wine club activities, oversee inventory and POS transactions, and maintain the inviting atmosphere that defines our winery.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, restaurant, winery, or customer service management preferred.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Highly organized with strong problem-solving and multitasking abilities.
• Willingness to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily tasting room operations ensuring a welcoming guest experience.
• Recruit, train, and supervise tasting room staff; provide coaching and feedback.
• Drive wine sales and wine club memberships; engage customers and promote loyalty.
• Coordinate events and group visits; support logistics and guest service.
• Manage inventory, stock, and purchasing; maintain accurate records.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

Communication

Organization

POS Systems

Cash Handling

Problem Solving

Multitasking

Wine Knowledge

Hospitality

Tools

POS Systems

Job description

We are seeking an enthusiastic, hospitality-driven Tasting Room Manager to oversee the daily operations of our winery’s tasting room. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for creating memorable guest experiences, leading and developing a team, driving wine and wine club sales, and ensuring the tasting room operates efficiently and professionally.

The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, enjoys sharing the story of our wines and farm, and thrives in a welcoming, fast-paced environment. This individual will play an integral role in building customer relationships, growing wine club membership, coordinating events, and maintaining the overall quality and atmosphere of our winery.

Seeking Wednesday - Sunday availability.

Weekends Required.

Responsibilities

Tasting Room Operations & Guest Experience

• Oversee all daily tasting room operations, ensuring a welcoming, organized, and exceptional guest experience.
• Work behind the bar regularly, conducting wine tastings, processing transactions, and educating guests about our wines, winery, and farm.
• Ensure the tasting room is consistently clean, organized, well-stocked, and inviting.
• Manage opening and closing procedures, cash handling, and POS systems.
• Professionally and effectively address guest questions, concerns, and service issues.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and support tasting room and event staff.
• Provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and feedback to promote teamwork, accountability, and exceptional service.
• Ensure staff are knowledgeable about our wines, farm, wine club, and hospitality standards.
• Lead by example through hands‑on involvement in daily tasting room operations.

Wine Sales & Customer Engagement

• Drive wine sales, wine club memberships, and customer retention through engaging hospitality and knowledgeable wine service.
• Build meaningful relationships with guests and encourage repeat visits and long‑term customer loyalty.
• Support initiatives, promotions, and wine club growth efforts.

Events & Community Relations

• Maintain communication with bus tour operators and coordinate group visits to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Work collaboratively with winery staff to support event logistics, staffing, and guest service.

Inventory & Administrative Responsibilities

• Monitor inventory levels weekly and coordinate product restocking to maintain appropriate inventory for tasting room operations.
• Oversee wine, merchandise, and tasting room supply inventory.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and communicate purchasing or replenishment needs.
• Collaborate with ownership and winery staff to improve operational efficiency, sales performance, and the overall guest experience.
• Assist with administrative tasks and other operational needs as required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in hospitality, restaurant, winery, or customer service management strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to motivate, train, and manage a team.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with POS systems, cash handling, and basic computer applications.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings as needed.
• Wine knowledge and a passion for wine, agriculture, or hospitality are a plus, but not required.
• TIPS certification or equivalent preferred; certification may be obtained during training if needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including during winery events.
• Ability to perform the physical duties associated with tasting room operations, event setup, and inventory handling.

Compensation

• Compensation to commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Employee discounts on wine and merchandise.
• Paid training and professional development.
• Paid time off.
• Opportunity to earn tips.