Estate Ambassador

Hamel Family Wines – Sonoma Valley, CA

Hamel Family Wines (HFW), a family-owned and operated winery in Sonoma Valley, is seeking an experienced wine professional with a strong background in hospitality and direct-to-consumer sales for the position of Estate Ambassador (Tasting Room Host).
HFW is a premium, limited-production winery dedicated to crafting terroir-driven Bordeaux & Rhone Varieties from our estate vineyards in Sonoma Valley and the Moon Mountain District. Our vineyards are Certified Organic, Certified Biodynamic®, and dry-farmed, reflecting our commitment to sustainable agriculture and long-term stewardship of the land.
At Hamel, our hospitality program mirrors the same level of care and attention that we devote to our vineyards and winemaking. Each guest experience is thoughtfully curated and serves as a cornerstone of our direct-to-consumer program.
The Estate Ambassador plays a key role in delivering exceptional, luxury-level hospitality while cultivating lasting relationships with guests and collectors. The successful candidate will be energetic, polished, and highly motivated, with a strong foundation in wine education and a proven ability to drive wine sales.
This is a full-time position requiring availability on Saturdays and Sundays. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and includes a competitive commission structure and comprehensive benefits.

Estate Ambassador Responsibilities
•  Host and guide guests through curated Hamel Estate experiences, including cave and winery tours
•  Deliver memorable, luxury wine tasting experiences that reflect the Hamel brand and philosophy
•  Engage guests through thoughtful storytelling, wine education, and brand history
•  Accurately describe wines, farming practices, and winemaking techniques
•  Cultivate long-term guest relationships and drive direct-to-consumer wine sales
•  Promote and enroll guests into Hamel’s wine club membership program
•  Maintain and expand personal knowledge of Hamel wines, estate vineyards, and biodynamic farming practices
•  Record detailed guest preferences and visit notes to enhance future experiences
•  Support the hospitality team to ensure seamless daily operations and guest flow
•  Assist with daily opening and closing procedures, including glass polishing, table preparation, restocking, and inventory counts
•  Maintain a clean, polished, and welcoming tasting environment at all times
•  Communicate updates or changes to experiences clearly and professionally to guests
•  Host VIP guests, collectors, and trade visitors as needed
•  Provide occasional support for concierge services and guest communications
•  Assist with phone and email correspondence with guests and wine club members
•  Support estate events and special hospitality programming as needed
•  Perform additional duties as assigned

Estate Ambassador Qualifications
•  Previous experience in winery hospitality, luxury retail, restaurant service, or wine sales preferred
•  Passion for wine and a strong desire to continue learning and growing within the industry
•  Goal-oriented with a proven ability to achieve or exceed sales targets
•  Professional, polished demeanor with exceptional guest service skills
•  Strong team player with a positive and collaborative attitude
•  Ability to multitask and remain composed in a fast-paced environment
•  Strong problem-solving abilities and sound judgment in guest-facing situations
•  Comfortable speaking to both small and large groups of guests
•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•  Wine education credentials such as WSET, CMS, or CSW preferred
•  Bachelor’s degree preferred
•  Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
•  Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
•  Must be at least 21 years of age

Compensation & Benefits

The Estate Ambassador position at Hamel Family Wines offers an exceptional opportunity for a motivated wine professional to join a growing and dynamic hospitality team.
Hamel Family Wines is committed to fostering a supportive and positive workplace culture. Our benefits package includes:
•  Competitive hourly wage ($23–$26 per hour depending on experience)
•  Commission and gratuity opportunities
•  Health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents
•  401(k) plan with company match
•  Two weeks of paid vacation
•  One-week holiday closure in December
•  Two cases of Hamel wine annually
•  Daily staff lunch and snacks