Wine Director

Premium Liquor Store; Easton (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Bonus based on performance

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Flexible schedule

Free uniforms

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Relocation bonus

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

Premium Liquor Store is seeking a knowledgeable Wine Buyer in Easton, Maryland, to manage a world-class wine selection. The ideal candidate will have 2–5+ years of wine buying experience and a strong understanding of global wine regions. Responsibilities include sourcing wines, managing vendor relationships, and enhancing the customer experience. The role emphasizes quality and providing exceptional service, with opportunities for professional development and a competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of experience in wine buying or a similar role in a premium retail or hospitality setting.
• Strong knowledge of global wine regions, varietals, and producers.
• Proven ability to analyze sales data and manage inventory effectively.
• Excellent palate and tasting skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
• Passion for hospitality and delivering a high-end customer experience.

Responsibilities

• Curate a diverse, high-quality wine assortment including Old World, New World, and emerging regions.
• Source premium, boutique, and allocated wines to differentiate the store’s offering.
• Manage all wine purchasing, including order placement and vendor negotiations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with distributors and winery representatives.
• Monitor inventory levels and optimize margins.
• Serve as the in-store wine expert, assisting customers with selections.

Skills

Wine buying experience

Knowledge of global wine regions

Sales analysis

Negotiation skills

Customer service

Education

WSET Level 2 or higher

Certified Sommelier

Other relevant wine education credentials

Job description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Flexible schedule
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Relocation bonus
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Position Overview

We are seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Wine Buyer to curate and manage a refined, world-class wine selection for our upscale retail environment. This role is responsible for sourcing exceptional wines across all price points, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness, and value.

The ideal candidate combines a deep understanding of global wine regions with strong business acumen, ensuring a balanced portfolio that appeals to both everyday customers and high-end collectors.

Key Responsibilities

Wine Selection & Purchasing

• Curate a diverse, high-quality wine assortment including Old World, New World, and emerging regions
• Source premium, boutique, and allocated wines to differentiate the store’s offering
• Evaluate new products through tastings and industry relationships
• Manage all wine purchasing, including order placement, pricing, and vendor negotiations

Vendor & Winery Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with distributors, importers, and winery representatives
• Negotiate pricing, allocations, and exclusive opportunities
• Coordinate in-store tastings, winemaker events, and staff education sessions

Inventory & Financial Management

• Monitor inventory levels, product turnover, and sales performance
• Optimize margins while maintaining a premium, competitive selection
• Analyze sales trends and adjust buying strategy accordingly
• Minimize overstocks and out-of-stocks

Merchandising & Presentation

• Design and maintain an elevated wine shopping experience through thoughtful merchandising
• Organize the sales floor by region, varietal, and price to enhance customer navigation
• Develop shelf talkers, tasting notes, and educational materials

Customer Experience & Expertise

• Serve as the in-store wine expert, assisting customers with selections for everyday use, cellaring, and special occasions
• Provide elevated service to high-end clientele, including personalized recommendations and collection building
• Train and mentor staff to confidently sell wine

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of experience in wine buying or a similar role in a premium retail or hospitality setting
• Strong knowledge of global wine regions, varietals, and producers
• Proven ability to analyze sales data and manage inventory effectively
• Excellent palate and tasting skills
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities
• Passion for hospitality and delivering a high-end customer experience

Preferred Certifications (not required but a plus)

• WSET Level 2 or higher
• Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers)
• Other relevant wine education credentials