Position Summary

The Tasting Room Manager is a vital operational leader responsible for executing day-to-day front-of-house operations, with primary responsibility for the tasting room and special event functions of the Direct-to-Consumer business. In alignment with Crimson Wine Group's strategic vision, this role manages daily operations, supports fiscal performance and department profitability, and translates business objectives into memorable, personalized guest experiences that drive revenue, club conversions, and brand loyalty.

As a hands-on floor leader and steward of the estate's reputation, the ideal candidate is deeply service-driven, team-oriented, and adaptable. They directly manage, develop, and inspire the hospitality team while ensuring operational standards, inventory controls, budgets, programming, and daily logistics are executed with precision. Through strong leadership, delegation, and cross-functional collaboration, this role helps create a cohesive team environment that delivers elevated hospitality, effective storytelling, and exceptional guest impressions.

Values in Practice

Hospitality teams are expected to demonstrate company values through daily actions and guest interactions.

We Serve - We Focus on Excellence - We Deliver on Commitments

Service Heart & Preparedness

• Demonstrate a genuine service heart by delivering gracious, intentional hospitality to guests and teammates.
• Prepare for each day's visits by reviewing reservations, guest notes, special occasions, and expectations so guests feel truly expected.
• Anticipate needs, remove obstacles, and create a seamless experience from first contact through post-visit follow-up.
• Practice active listening and intentional conversation to personalize each interaction and elevate the guest experience.

Brand Representation & Storytelling

• Represent the winery and its brands with professionalism, enthusiasm, and authenticity.
• Confidently share the brand story, estate highlights, and hospitality philosophy to create a meaningful sense of place and connection.
• Act as a brand ambassador in all guest interactions.

Teamwork & Accountability

• Support a collaborative service culture through proactive communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support.
• Take ownership when service standards are not met and partner with leadership to resolve issues and prevent recurrence.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality regarding guests, trade visitors, and internal winery operations.

Commitment to Excellence & Growth

• Exhibit a growth mindset by welcoming feedback, embracing continuous improvement, and adapting to evolving guest and business needs.
• Participate in daily pre-shift communication and follow safety expectations to help maintain a safe, inclusive, and engaged environment.

Community & Stewardship

• Uphold respect for the estate, land, and community by aligning daily actions with sustainability, outreach, and responsible hospitality principles.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following reflects management's definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodations or other reasons.

Leadership, Strategy & Team Management

• Lead, hire, train, schedule, coach, and develop hospitality team members to deliver consistent service, sales, safety, and brand standards.
• Set daily priorities, communicate expectations through effective team meetings, and foster a collaborative, accountable, guest-focused culture.
• Collaborate with the Estate Manager, Pacific Northwest, on ideation and strategic direction for Tasting Room and Event programming designed to meet financial goals.
• Own execution of approved tasting room plans, budgets, programming, and performance goals, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery.

Tasting Room Operations & Guest Experience

• Oversee daily tasting room readiness, floor leadership, opening and closing procedures, housekeeping standards, reservations, guest profiles, and onsite service logistics.
• Deliver and support exceptional tours, tastings, VIP visits, wine club experiences, onsite and offsite events, and other guest programs that strengthen brand loyalty and revenue growth.
• Identify service gaps, resolve guest or operational issues promptly, and improve workflows to create a seamless end-to-end guest experience.

Business Performance, Administration & Compliance

• Manage reporting, sales analysis, labor planning, inventory, timecards, incentives, deposits, budget tracking, and other administrative processes that support operational and financial goals.
• Maintain POS, reservation, IT, and operational systems; troubleshoot issues and partner with internal teams to ensure business continuity.
• Ensure compliance with responsible alcohol service, workplace safety, cybersecurity training, health regulations, internal controls, confidentiality standards, and applicable company policies.
• Support tenant daily operations as the primary in-person liaison, while coordinating escalations and strategic partnership matters with the Estate Manager, Pacific Northwest.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of prior relevant retail tasting room or consumer direct sales experience required.
• Strong leadership, influence, and communication skills, with the ability to present ideas, motivate teams, and interact effectively across all levels.
• Strategic thinker with demonstrated ability to implement transformative initiatives and drive results.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with proven success managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Extensive knowledge of luxury products, wine, production processes, and the wine industry.
• Professional, engaging, and adaptable demeanor with a positive and creative approach to leadership and hospitality.
• Strong customer service orientation and ability to build meaningful guest and team relationships.
• Proficiency with CRM and POS systems, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to travel as needed
• Flexible schedule to include evenings and weekends based on business demand
• Able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. and stand for extended periods.
• Must have a valid Washington Driver's License.

The projected (base) pay range for this position is $81,000 to $84,000 per year in addition to annual bonus. This range is the projected compensation for this position, however the actual compensation offered may vary based on job-related factors such as (but not limited to) candidate qualifications, related experience and education, candidate work location and market data. Crimson Wine Group reserves the right to modify the pay range/rate at any time in the future.