Tasting Room Associate

Over three generations, the Lawlor-White Family has produced more than 50 unique red, white, and fruit wines. Join our team to engage with customers through wine tastings while providing them with a memorable experience in the charming town of historic Galena, IL.

Wage: $14/hr (average associate salary with tips and bonuses: $14-25)

Benefits / Perks: Employee discount, tips, sales bonuses, 401(k) matching, flexible schedule, paid training, eligible for raise after 90 days, paid team meetings, take home one bottle of "wine of the month" each month, ability to work at either Downtown or Vineyard location.

Hours: Flexible work schedule, some weekends required, Monday-Friday shifts, 8 hour shifts

About the Postion: Under the general direction and direct supervision of our Tasting Room Managers, Tasting Room Associates are the initial contact for visitors to Galena Cellars and are responsible for promoting the sale of wine and food by providing consumers with a meaningful experience through excellent hospitality and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will be a charismatic, driven individual.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Greets all visitors of Galena Cellars, pours wines for tasting, discusses wine, and responds to customer questions as appropriate
• Enjoys communicating with members and guests of Galena Cellars
• Ensures that every visitor enjoys their wine tasting experience and leaves with a very high impression of our wines and brand
• Is willing to learn and become knowledgeable about wines, accurately describe wines, winemaking techniques, winery history, and unique aspects of wine
• Effectively promotes and softly sells wine and wine club memberships to guests
• Promotes sales of food items from the restaurant menu
• Presents menu and answers all questions from guests
• Ensures all guests are served in a timely manner
• Handles routine purchasing transactions, including operating the cash register, accounting of daily sales, and processing returns and discounts
• Maintains clean bars, tables, and work areas including glassware and bar and tasting room equipment.
• Takes the initiative for self-development in the areas of our wines, brand, general hospitality, and for acquiring effective sales techniques
• Assists in facilitating shipping of wine to customers and meets all compliance and regulatory requirements of wine shipments
• Works with Tasting Room Manager to maintain a great tasting experience while upholding brand image standards
• Represents winery at outside functions as needed
• Other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Shows commitment to excellence and high standards in work environment
• Expresses interest in the wine industry and wants to grow wine knowledge and skillset by participating in team educational enrichment activities, including staff tastings and discussions.
• Consistently demonstrates outstanding customer service skills, poise, and tact in working with the public
• Proven ability to effectively and appropriately communicate with diverse client groups
• Possesses and maintains professional appearance and demeanor
• Enjoys collaborating with others in a strong team environment
• Is flexible; can manage constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm
• Is fluent in English
• Has high school diploma or GED
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Able to work weekends, nights, and holidays

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift and move 40-45 pounds repeatedly (a case of wine)
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time
• Ability to effectively stock wine, liquor, and beer; ability to set-up and break down procedures, equipment, etc., and ability to utilize dolly cart and to assist in moving heavy objects.