Retail Sales Associate

Classification: Hourly / Non-Exempt
Reports To: Market & Post Leadership

Position Overview

The Retail Associate at Carneros Resort and Spa plays an essential role in creating thoughtful, elevated guest experiences across both MARKET and POST. This position combines luxury retail, gourmet food and beverage service, and wine-focused hospitality to deliver welcoming, personalized interactions that reflect the relaxed sophistication of the resort.

Retail Associates serve as ambassadors of the Carneros experience by providing exceptional guest service, maintaining beautifully curated retail environments, supporting tasting experiences, and driving thoughtful retail and direct-to-consumer sales. This role requires strong hospitality instincts, attention to detail, adaptability, and a passion for creating memorable moments for guests.

The ideal candidate is service-oriented, collaborative, knowledgeable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a calm and polished presence. Flexibility to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events is required.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Guest Experience & Hospitality

• Welcome guests with warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality reflective of Carneros Resort and Spa standards.
• Create engaging and personalized guest interactions through thoughtful recommendations, storytelling, and attentive service.
• Anticipate guest needs and provide seamless service experiences across both MARKET and POST operations.
• Build meaningful guest relationships that encourage repeat visits and strengthen guest connection to the Carneros brand.
• Maintain a polished and professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
• Support onsite and offsite events as needed.

MARKET Responsibilities | Deli, Wine & Gift Shop

• Develop comprehensive knowledge of MARKET offerings, including gourmet food items, retail merchandise, wine selections, coffee beverages, teas, and pastries.
• Prepare and serve coffee, espresso, and tea beverages consistently and according to established standards.
• Operate POS systems accurately, including cash handling and transaction processing.
• Maintain clean, organized, and visually appealing retail and service areas.
• Stock, merchandise, and replenish retail displays while supporting seasonal presentation standards.
• Monitor inventory levels, receive deliveries, and communicate inventory needs proactively.
• Complete opening, closing, and daily operational cleaning tasks according to department standards and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure efficient operations and exceptional guest experiences.

POST Responsibilities | Wine & Spirits Tasting Lounge

• Guide guests through wine, cider, and spirits tastings with confidence, professionalism, and enthusiasm.
• Educate guests on product offerings, winery stories, tasting notes, and retail selections in an approachable and engaging manner.
• Support direct-to-consumer sales goals through thoughtful recommendations and upselling opportunities.
• Pour and serve alcoholic beverages responsibly and in accordance with California regulations and resort standards.
• Complete opening and closing responsibilities, including stocking, merchandising, pricing, and maintaining tasting room presentation standards.
• Process transactions accurately and assist guests with large or specialty purchases.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of tasting areas, including polishing glassware and resetting guest spaces.
• Prepare wine shipments accurately and in compliance with federal and state shipping regulations.
• Monitor guest alcohol consumption and adjust or decline service as appropriate to ensure responsible beverage service.
• Continuously build product, wine, and industry knowledge to enhance the guest experience.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous experience in hospitality, retail, food and beverage, wine service, tasting rooms, or luxury guest service preferred.
• Prior barista or coffee service experience preferred.
• Previous wine sales or tasting room experience preferred.
• Passion for hospitality, food, wine, and creating meaningful guest experiences.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with an approachable and guest-focused demeanor.
• Ability to remain organized, calm, and detail-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic computer proficiency and comfort using POS systems and web-based applications.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid Food Handler Certification and Responsible Beverage Service (RBS)/Alcohol Awareness Certification required upon hire and maintained throughout employment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 45 pounds safely and independently.
• Ability to bend, reach, twist, stoop, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Ability to work in varying indoor and outdoor environments depending on business needs and events.

Schedule Requirements

• Must maintain a flexible schedule, including availability to work mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events based on operational needs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage plus gratuities
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability
• Supplemental Insurance Options
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick Leave