Winery and Bistro Associate

D-; Norwalk (OH); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

D & D Smith Winery & Bistro in Norwalk, Ohio, seeks a Winery & Bistro Operations Associate to deliver memorable guest experiences across wine tasting, food service, and events. You will welcome guests, educate on wines, assist with beverages, serve pizzas and salads, manage POS, and support weddings and private events.

The role requires reliability, strong communication, and flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Customer-focused mindset and hospitality orientation.
• Strong communication skills in a fast-paced setting.
• Ability to multitask and stay organized during busy shifts.
• Dependable, punctual and self-motivated professionals.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests with a warm, professional attitude and educate them about wines and events.
• Serve wine tastings, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages per Ohio laws.
• Take food and beverage orders and ensure timely, accurate service.
• Promote wine club memberships, merchandise, and promotions.
• Assist with setup and teardown for weddings and events.
• Maintain clean dining areas, patios, and restrooms; stock and organize supplies.
• Operate POS system and support team across departments as needed.

Skills

Customer-focused

Excellent communication

Multitasking

Punctual and reliable

Lift 40 pounds

Job description

Join Our Team as a Winery & Bistro Operations Associate!

Are you passionate about wine, food, and creating unforgettable guest experiences? D & D Smith Winery & Bistro is looking for an enthusiastic and dependable Winery & Bistro Operations Associate to join our team! With 18 years of excellence and over 180 award-winning wines (including 17 awards this year alone), we take pride in offering exceptional wines, delicious brick oven pizzas, fresh salads, and so much more. Every day at our winery is an opportunity to make memories for our guests—and we’re looking for someone who shares our commitment to hospitality.

What You’ll Do

As a Winery & Bistro Operations Associate, you’ll be at the heart of our operations, ensuring every guest has an exceptional experience. Your responsibilities will span across several areas:

Guest Experience

• Welcome guests with a warm, professional attitude.
• Educate visitors about our wines, wine flights, menu offerings, and upcoming events.
• Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally.
• Foster a welcoming atmosphere that encourages guests to return.

Wine & Beverage Service

• Serve wine tastings, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages in compliance with Ohio liquor laws.
• Recommend wines based on guest preferences.
• Keep the tasting bar clean, organized, and fully stocked.

Bistro Operations

• Take food and beverage orders accurately and serve dishes promptly.
• Prepare menu items like pizzas, salads, and sandwiches while following food safety guidelines.
• Assist with dishwashing and maintaining a clean kitchen environment.

Retail Sales

• Operate the point-of-sale (POS) system for transactions.
• Promote wine club memberships, merchandise, and special promotions.
• Stock and merchandise retail displays.

Events & Entertainment

• Support weddings, private parties, festivals, and live entertainment events.
• Set up and tear down event equipment, including tables, chairs, and decorations.
• Provide top-notch service to event guests.

Winery & Facility Support

• Maintain clean and organized indoor and outdoor spaces, including dining areas, patios, and restrooms.
• Assist with opening and closing duties, stocking supplies, and light maintenance tasks.

Teamwork

• Collaborate with management and team members to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Be flexible and ready to assist in different departments as needed.
• Represent D & D Smith Winery & Bistro with professionalism and positivity.

What We’re Looking For

We’re searching for someone who:

• Thrives in a customer-focused environment and enjoys working with people.
• Has excellent communication skills and a positive attitude.
• Can multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced setting.
• Is dependable, punctual, and self-motivated.
• Is available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Can lift up to 40 pounds and remain on their feet for extended periods.

Preferred but not required: Previous experience in food service or hospitality. Must meet Ohio’s legal age requirements for serving alcoholic beverages.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At D & D Smith Winery & Bistro, no two days are the same! Whether you’re greeting guests, preparing delicious food, stocking wine, or setting up for an event, you’ll play a vital role in creating memorable experiences. We believe in teamwork and a “see it, own it” approach—every team member contributes to the success of the winery. If you’re passionate about hospitality and willing to jump in wherever needed, we’d love to hear from you!