ABOUT VINE STREET IMPORTS
Vine Street Imports is a family-owned fine wine importer with a quarter century of experience introducing authentic wines from around the globe to nearly every market in the United States. Our portfolio spans the great regions of Barolo and Rioja, Stellenbosch to the Hunter Valley, and lesser known places such as West Sussex, Piekenierskloof, Wilyabrup Valley and more — selected largely as a group through longstanding relationships with many of the wine world’s most genuine and gregarious personalities that few can claim.
We are a small team with a serious purpose: to champion wines of genuine character and place, and to build the kind of trust with sommeliers, retailers, and collectors that lasts a career. Taking exceptional care of our people is as central to who we are as the wines we represent.
POSITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a Regional Sales Manager to lead and grow Vine Street Imports' presence across an assigned territory in the United States. This is a high-autonomy role for a seasoned wine professional who brings both an entrepreneurial spirit and deep trade relationships to the table. The right candidate will be as comfortable leading a Chenin Blanc seminar to a discerning group of buyers as they are analyzing depletion reports and building a working relationship with a distributor.
This position reports directly to the Director of National Sales and serves as the primary strategic partner to our distributor network across the region. National market travel and extensive work in a home market is an essential component of the role.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage and develop Vine Street Imports' distributor relationships across the territory, creating detailed annual sales plans and assisting the distributors to meet the volume, distribution, and velocity goals.
- Maintain and expand direct relationships with key on- and off-premise accounts — including Michelin-starred restaurants, independent wine shops, chain/grocery retail, and fine dining groups.
- Conduct regular market work solo and alongside distributor sales representatives, leading educational tastings, staff training sessions, and trade events to build brand awareness and sales momentum.
- Identify and open new points of quality distribution; continuously seek strategic placements that reflect the ethos of the portfolio.
- Monitor depletions, review pricing accuracy, and report regularly to leadership on market conditions, competitive activity, and progress against annual goals.
- Make informed recommendations on marketing materials and opportunities, programming investments, and promotional opportunities that maximize ROI and reinforce brand positioning.
- Serve as an ambassador for Vine Street Imports — embodying our commitment to authenticity, expertise, and genuine passion for the wines we represent.
- Travel throughout the territory, including occasional weekend and evening market work.
BACKGROUND & QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 3 years of supplier or wholesale experience in fine or luxury wine, with a demonstrated track record of meeting and exceeding sales goals or 3 years as a beverage director with the passion to learn the other side of the industry.
- Knowledge of the international fine wine world, with particular strength or interest in Australia and South Africa.
- Prior experience working with or within a distributor network, with a practical understanding of how the three-tier system operates is a bonus.
- Strong financial acumen — comfortable reading depletion reports, interpreting pricing and margin data, and managing a travel and entertainment budget with discipline.
- Exceptional communication skills: polished and persuasive in person, precise and accountable in writing.
- Self-directed and highly organized, capable of managing a demanding travel schedule alongside administrative responsibilities without sacrificing either.
- Proficiency in Microsoft platforms.
- Must reside in the United States. Precise territory will be determined in consultation with the selected candidate.
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record required. Must be able to lift 55 lbs.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Competitive base salary
- Commission earned for all sales above sales goals
- Performance bonuses
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with meaningful employer contribution
- 401(k) with company investment as well
- Paid time off that grows with tenure
- Travel & entertainment budget
- Opportunities for international travel and producer visits
TO APPLY
Please submit a résumé and a thoughtful cover letter describing your experience or want in fine wine sales and what draws you to Vine Street Imports.
Vine Street Imports is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Our goal is a team as diverse and interesting as the wines we import.
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