Tasting Room Associate

**Type of Position**:Part-Time Fixed Seasonal Contract (September to December); Approx. 12hrs/week, with opportunity for more starting in November; Opportunity to renew contract next season, beginning in March 2026

**Reports To**:Tasting Room Manager

**Location**:Whispering Horse Vineyard, Yarrow BC

The Tasting Room Associate, most often, will be first person guests to the winery will encounter and because of this, plays a key role in ensuring guests are acknowledged and welcomed as soon as they arrive. The Tasting Room Associate will also describe and direct guests to our wine and food offerings, lead guests through wine tastings in an engaging and friendly manner, share our story and farming practices, and fulfill any orders and purchases guests may place. The Tasting Room Associate must also ensure that the tasting room and picnic area is always well maintained by keeping it clean, organized, and that the tasting room shelves are well stocked with wines, food items, dishes, and other items required for the smooth day to day operations of this space.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**
- **Customer Service**:
Greet and welcome guests, ensuring a warm and friendly atmosphere. Describe our offerings - food and wine. Provide personalized wine tastings and guidance on pairing wines with food. Engages and interacts with guests by answering questions about our wines, production process, and the winery's story/history while gauging the level of involvement / conversation guests wish to have and adjusts interactions accordingly.
- **Sales**

Present and sell our wine portfolio, food items, merchandise, and other offerings. Help customers select wines based on their preferences.
- **Tasting Room Operations**:
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the tasting room, ensuring a welcoming space for guests. Set up and clean the bar, tables, manage inventory of glassware, wine bottles, food items, and promotional materials.
- **Education & Engagement**:
Share knowledge about the winery’s story, vineyard locations, and winemaking techniques. Lead tastings, creating memorable experiences for visitors. Stay informed about seasonal releases, new products, and wine club (once up and running).
- **Event Support**:
Assist with wine releases, special event tours, and private events. Help coordinate logistics and support event guests as needed.
- **Point of Sale (POS)**:
Operate the POS system (currently Square, but will be switching to Commerce 7), process transactions, and manage cash and credit card payments.
- **Health & Safety Compliance**:
Follow all health and safety protocols, including ensuring a safe drinking environment, checking IDs, and adhering to responsible alcohol service guidelines.
- **Team Collaboration**:
Work closely with the tasting room team to ensure smooth operations and share feedback for improvements in service and customer experience.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- **Experience**:
Prior experience in customer service, hospitality, or retail sales is an asset. Experience in a winery or tasting room setting is highly desirable.
- **Knowledge**:
Basic understanding of wine types and wine tasting. An interest in learning about the winemaking process, various wines, and vineyard management is essential.
- **Communication Skills**:
Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and educate guests of all backgrounds and experience levels.
- **Personality**:
Friendly, approachable, and professional demeanor. Ability to build rapport and make guests feel comfortable and valued. Also able to work collaboratively as part of a team and contribute to a positive work environment
- **Physical Requirements**:
Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 35 lbs, and perform light cleaning duties.
- **Other Requirements**:
Serving It Right certification (or ability to obtain) is required for alcohol service. Weekends required, and possibly some holidays. A love for hospitality is a must

**Compensation & Benefits**:

- Starting at $18/hour plus tips.
- 20% employee discounts on wine purchases.
- Opportunities to continue and transition with us into our new tasting room, grand opening planned for spring 2026.
- A fun and supportive work environment in beautiful setting

**Job Type**: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 4 months

Pay: $18.00-$20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 - 12 per week

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking
- Store discount

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Chilliwack, BC V2R 4C5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

**Experience**:

- hospitality: 1 year (preferred)

**Language**:

- English (required)

Work Location: In person