A market leader in sustainable winegrowing and the longest continuously owned, family operated winery in California, established in 1883. Wente is a unique platform in the wine industry, beyond growing >1,000 acres of vineyards in Livermore and Arroyo Seco and making high quality for the price wines, Wente has a large wholesale business, a significant direct-to-consumer business (2 tasting rooms, wine clubs), summer concerts, a golf course, a food program, and event center (e.g. – weddings, corporate events). Wente is an unparalleled platform to learn about every segment of the wine industry.

Position Overview

The Lead Host/Concierge serves as the first and most influential point of contact for guests, setting the tone for a refined, seamless, and highly personalized experience across Wente Family Estates.

Blending the sophistication of a luxury restaurant maître d’ with the hospitality of a world-class winery, this role is responsible not only for curating the guest arrival experience, but also for leading reservation strategy, managing guest flow across the estate, and supporting business needs through thoughtful planning and communication.

As a lead Host/Concierge, this position provides direction on the floor, partners closely with  Tasting Room Leadership, and ensures alignment between reservations, service teams, and overall guest experience execution. This role requires strong leadership, sound decision-making, and the ability to anticipate both guest and business needs in a dynamic environment.

At Wente Family Estates, performance is measured not only by results, but by how those results are achieved. All team members are expected to consistently demonstrate our RISE Values: Respect, Integrity, Sustainability, and Excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Elevated Guest Welcome & Experience Leadership

Set the standard for exceptional hospitality by modeling a warm, polished, and personalized guest welcome
Ensure all guests are greeted with professionalism and offered a welcome pour to begin their experience
Lead by example in creating a sense of arrival that reflects the luxury and heritage of the estate
Act as the primary point of escalation for guest concerns, resolving issues with confidence and care

Reservation Strategy & TOCK Management

Oversee daily reservation management within TOCK, ensuring accuracy, optimization, and alignment with business goals
Assign and adjust seating sections and floor plans to maximize guest experience and operational efficiency
Manage and review future reservations, identifying opportunities to optimize bookings, pacing, and capacity
Coordinate and support large party bookings and group experiences, ensuring proper setup, communication, and execution
Ensure guest notes, preferences, and special requests are captured and communicated effectively to the service team

Guest Flow & Floor Leadership

Direct and manage guest flow across the estate to ensure seamless transitions between experiences
Partner with service teams to maintain proper pacing, table turns, and overall flow of the floor
Provide real-time direction to Concierge/Host team members to ensure consistency and efficiency
Monitor wait times and proactively adjust plans to maintain a high level of service

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Outreach

Partner closely with Tasting Room leadership to align on reservations, guest experience priorities, and business needs
Support outreach efforts related to reservations, special events, and guest engagement opportunities
Assist in managing VIP guests, member experiences, and high-touch interactions
Collaborate with marketing, events, and hospitality teams to ensure alignment on upcoming experiences and initiatives

Brand Representation & Communication

Serve as a brand ambassador, confidently representing the story, heritage, and offerings of Wente Family Estates
Maintain a polished, professional presence reflective of a luxury hospitality environment
Ensure clear, consistent communication across all front-of-house teams

Qualifications & Skills

Proven experience in a host, concierge, or leadership role within hospitality, restaurant, or winery environments
Strong leadership presence with the ability to guide and support team members
Advanced organizational and time management skills
Experience working with reservation systems (TOCK preferred)
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to think strategically while executing tactically in real time
Professional, polished, and guest-focused demeanor

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed
Ability to work in a dynamic indoor/outdoor environment

Work Environment & Expectations

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment
Strong collaboration with leadership and cross-functional teams
Commitment to upholding and elevating service standards across the estate

Sustainability Values Statement

Wente Family Estates is committed to environmental, social, and financial sustainability. Our company values are Respect, Integrity, Sustainability, and Excellence (RISE). All employees are expected to consistently demonstrate these values in their daily work.