Tasting Room & Consumer Events Manager

Tasting Room & Consumer Events Manager

Ponzi Vineyards is a premium Oregon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer located just 22 miles from downtown Portland in the Chehalem Mountains/Laurelwood District AVAs.

Recently acquired by the legendary French family wine group Bollinger (producers of Champagne Bollinger, Champagne Ayala, Burgundy wines from Chanson, Loire Valley wines from Langlois-Chateau, and Cognac Delamain), Ponzi Vineyards aims to become the top-of-mind brand for Oregon fine wine.

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and driven professional to join our team as Tasting Room & Consumer Events Manager.

Role Overview:
As the Tasting Room & Consumer Events Manager, you will play a crucial role in driving Ponzi Vineyards’ Direct Sales program, creating memorable experiences for our guests, and leading the Tasting Room team to achieve key sales performance metrics. This leadership role reports directly to the Hospitality Director. The ideal candidate has a proven track record of 3+ years in hospitality and sales management.

Key Responsibilities:

Tasting Room Operations

• Achieve revenue targets outlined in the Tasting Room budget.
• Manage day-to-day Tasting Room operations with a focus on guest experience, efficiency, and profitability.
• Increase wine order conversions, average order value (AOV), and wine club sign-ups.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize sales and customer engagement in alignment with department goals and brand messaging.
• Foster guest relationships by exceeding their expectations at every opportunity.
• Ensure the Tasting Room is clean, organized, and well-stocked, while maintaining cost-effective operations.
• Oversee cash handling, tips reconciliation, and change orders.
• Collaborate with the Director to manage inventory control for wine and merchandise.
• Personalize hospitality experiences, including contacting reservations in advance to upsell and ensure guest satisfaction.
• Work with the Director to develop elevated and unique tasting experiences.

Staff Leadership

• Hire, train, and mentor full-time and part-time Tasting Room staff.
• Create and manage a monthly staffing schedule.
• Ensure the Tasting Room team adheres to SOPs and brand standards.
• Plan ongoing training sessions in collaboration with the Sales & Education Lead.

DTC Event Management

• Plan and execute DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) events such as wine club pick-up parties, consumer wine dinners, and specialty tastings.
• Meet revenue targets for DTC events as reflected in the Tasting Room budget.
• Coordinate staffing, marketing, and social media needs for events.
• Collaborate with the chef to finalize menus for events.
• Provide post-event recaps to the executive and management teams.

Procurement & Logistics

• Oversee Tasting Room collateral and work with the Director and graphic designer on new items.
• Manage procurement of glassware, merchandise, and operational supplies.
• Maintain inventory and address customer shipping or order issues.
• Ensure POS systems and reservation platforms (e.g., TOCK) are up to date.

Requirements and Qualifications

• 3+ years of hospitality management experience.
• Strong people management skills with a proven ability to mentor and develop staff.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, winery POS software (e.g., Commerce7), Tripleseat, and TOCK.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• WSET Level 2 or higher certification.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Ability to stand for 8 hours and lift 50 lbs.
• Flexibility to work weekdays, weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings.
• Work schedule: Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM.

About Ponzi Vineyards:
Founded by Dick and Nancy Ponzi in 1970, Ponzi Vineyards is one of Oregon’s original family-owned wineries and has significantly contributed to the growth and success of the region over the last 50+ years.

About the Bollinger Family:
The Bollinger family owns iconic producers like Champagne Bollinger, Ayala, Domaine Chanson (Burgundy), Langlois-Chateau (Loire Valley), and Cognac Delamain, known for their premium quality and rich history.

To Apply:
Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to hr@ponzivineyards.com. No phone calls, please.