Tasting Room & Sales Manager

Pelio Estate Vineyards – Carmel Valley, California (Monterey County)

About Us

Pelio Estate is a family-owned and operated vineyard rooted in Carmel Valley since 2000. What began as a farming operation has evolved into a boutique wine label and elevated tasting room experience. With a focus on organically and sustainably farmed estate wines, we are building a refined, hospitality-driven brand centered around exceptional guest experiences, meaningful events, and long-term customer relationships.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Tasting Room & Sales Manager to lead day-to-day operations while driving revenue growth across events, wholesale, and wine club channels.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in hospitality but also thinks like an owner proactively building relationships, identifying opportunities, and executing at a high level.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable managing the floor, closing a private event, growing wholesale accounts, and elevating the guest experience.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $65,000 – $80,000 (depending on experience)
Commission & Bonuses:
Events: $100–$200 per booked and executed private event
Wholesale: 3–5% commission on new accounts + growth incentives
Wine Club: Bonuses tied to new member sign-ups and retention
Total Compensation Potential: $85,000 – $100,000+
Paid vacation
Core Responsibilities

1. Tasting Room Operations & Guest Experience

Oversee all day-to-day tasting room operations
Deliver and uphold a high-end, hospitality-driven guest experience
Ensure operational excellence, cleanliness, and efficiency
Act as the on-floor leader and primary point of contact
Maintain deep knowledge of wines, vineyard practices, and brand story

2. Team Leadership & Development

Hire, train, and manage tasting room staff
Create a positive, accountable, and high-performing team culture
Schedule staff based on business needs and traffic patterns
Train team on wine knowledge, sales techniques, and service standards

3. Events

Actively secure private events (rehearsal dinners, corporate events, celebrations, etc.)
Manage inbound inquiries and convert leads into booked events
Coordinate all event logistics from booking through execution
Work closely with ownership on event strategy and programming
Oversee on-site execution to ensure a seamless, elevated experience

4. Wholesale & Account Management

Develop and grow local wholesale accounts (restaurants, hotels, retailers)
Build and maintain strong client relationships
Manage outreach, tastings, and ongoing account support
Track performance and identify opportunities for expansion

5. Wine Club Management

Oversee all wine club operations including:
Shipments and pickups
Member communications
Retention and growth strategies
Plan and execute wine club events and experiences
Drive wine club sign-ups and engagement

6. Sales & Business Growth

Own and help achieve revenue targets across:
Tasting room sales
Events
Wine club
Wholesale
Identify opportunities to increase spend per guest and overall profitability

7. Digital Presence

Oversee social media and website updates
Working Hours

Full-time
Based around tasting room operating hours
Includes opening/closing responsibilities
Flexibility required for evenings, weekends, and events
Occasional off-day work as needed (with comp time)

Qualifications & Skills
Strong leadership and team management experience
Proven ability to drive sales and close business (events/wholesale preferred)
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities
Hospitality mindset with attention to detail and presentation
Experience with wine, events, or luxury hospitality preferred
Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry 35–40 lb cases of wine
Ability to move tables, chairs, and assist with event setup

Certifications
Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Certification required (can be obtained upon hire)

What We’re Looking For

Someone who:
Thinks beyond “manager” and operates like a business driver
Is proactive, polished, and detail-oriented
Can elevate the Pelio Estate experience while growing revenue streams
Takes ownership and pride in building something long-term