Winery Tasting Room Manager

Winery Tasting Room Manager - Position Description

Status: Non-Exempt - Hourly


Shift Hours: Must be available Weekends & holidays

Location: Williamsburg Winery - Wessex Hundred & Merchants Square

Position Overview

The Williamsburg Winery-one of Virginia's most recognized and historic wineries is seeking an experienced, highly organized Tasting Room Manager to lead daily operations across both our Wessex Hundred estate tasting room and our Merchants Square location.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences, driving tasting room and wine club performance, and managing staff with professionalism, consistency, and accountability. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable on the floor leading by example and behind the scenes managing people, schedules, inventory, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Guest Experience

• Oversee day-to-day operations of both tasting room locations, ensuring smooth service, brand consistency, and exceptional hospitality standards.
• Actively manage the tasting room floor during peak periods, leading by example and resolving guest issues as needed.
• Uphold all Williamsburg Winery service standards, policies, and procedures across both locations.

Team Leadership & Staffing

• Recruit, hire, train, schedule, and supervise tasting room staff.
• Set clear performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and corrective action when necessary.
• Foster a positive, professional, and accountable team culture focused on hospitality excellence and sales performance.
• Conduct staff onboarding, training refreshers, and performance evaluations.

Sales, Wine Club & Business Performance

• Drive tasting room revenue and wine club growth through staff training, guest engagement strategies, and collaboration with marketing and wine club teams.
• Track sales performance, conversion metrics, and guest feedback, implementing improvements as needed.
• Support winery events, special promotions, and community partnerships when applicable.

Administrative & Financial Management

• Manage scheduling, payroll approvals, inventory control, and ordering for both locations.
• Ensure accurate POS usage, cash handling, and daily reporting.
• Monitor labor costs, inventory levels, and operational expenses to meet budgetary goals.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with Virginia ABC regulations, health department standards, and workplace safety policies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for guests and staff at all times.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum 3+ years of management experience in hospitality, winery, food & beverage, or retail environments.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and hold teams accountable in a fast-paced, guest-facing setting.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Financial acumen with experience using POS systems, inventory tools, and reporting platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with wine club or CRM systems is a plus.
• Wine knowledge strongly preferred; WSET certification a plus but not required.
• Reliable transportation and flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as required.

Why Join The Williamsburg Winery

At The Williamsburg Winery, our philosophy is simple: Enjoy Life. We are proud to offer memorable wine and hospitality experiences across our 400-acre estate and historic Merchants Square location. As a Tasting Room Manager, you'll play a key leadership role in shaping guest experiences, developing talent, and contributing to the continued growth of a respected Virginia winery.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly compensation with bonus potential
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Employee wine, dining, and retail discounts
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the organization