Winery Experience Lead

As the Winery Experience Lead, you will work closely with the Ridge Road team to create, manage and implement the ongoing evolution of experiences at Ridge Road Estate Winery.

About Ridge Road Winery

Ridge Road Estate Winery is a family owned and operated winery established in 2007. We are situated on a historical escarpment property that has been family owned since 1875. The farm consists of 60 acres of property producing 13 different varieties of Vinifera and Hybrid grapes. We provide quality wines in a casual environment with a focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience and ensuring excellence in customer service. We also offer our guests opportunities to participate in unique and exciting experiences at the winery.

Job Responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to:

● Ensuring winery retail operations are running seamlessly

● Speaking knowledgeably to guests regarding our wines, the winemaking process and our history

● Providing an engaging and memorable experience for guests from the time they arrive until the time they leave our winery

● Answering customer inquiries (for both reservations and event inquiries) on social media, email and over the phone

● Working with the winery management to create weekly social media advertisements

● Use of Canva and other publication software to create menus, posters, online advertisements, and other promotional materials

● Controlling and maintaining stock of merchandise and supplies needed in the tasting room including wine inventory

● Maintaining the retail POS system

● Maintaining up to date business hours on Google, Instagram, Facebook, and other media

● Ensuring that every aspect of the physical winery and grounds meet the standards that we have established

● Working with the events team to create, promote, and execute engaging, successful and profitable events

● Assisting with event rental agreements and administration of event details

Tasting Room Duties include but are not limited to:

● Providing elevated customer experiences through education on wines and winery history as well as guided wine tastings

● Providing in depth information about our wines and food offerings and assisting guests in choosing the best wines based their preferences

● Assisting with winery service during busy times and events, including serving tables, running food, bussing and washing glassware

● Working closely with kitchen staff to provide a seamless service to our customers

● Assisting the kitchen staff to keep the prep area orderly and functional as needed

Job Requirements

We are looking for team members who have/are:

● A passion for people, wine, food and fun!

● A courteous, friendly, positive attitude

● Detail oriented, ability to multitask and strong work ethic required – individually and as part of a team

● Technically adept with software like Canva, Cricket and social media platforms

● Knowledge of Niagara wines, winemaking processes, and viticulture an asset

● Able to work in a fast paced and physical environment (we often clock 20,000 steps on a busy wine patio day)

● A passion for customer service with a proven track record in hospitality and sales

● Comfortable speaking and engaging with guests one-on-one

● Experience in event coordination is preferred

● Able to lift 30lb cases of wine on a regular basis, stand for long periods of time and navigate stairs. This also involves being able to move heavy outdoor furniture to accommodate guest needs

● Must be available to work weekends, holidays, and some evenings throughout the season (our Music Nights run until 9:00 on Friday and Saturday nights through the summer months)

● Age 18 and above and Smart Serve Certified

● Access to personal transportation (there is no public transit in the area)

Benefits:

● Positive and fun work environment, we treat our staff like family!

● Receive a competitive hourly wage plus gratuities

● Gain valuable experience in the wine industry

● Opportunity to learn and grow within the winery and to advance to a full-time salaried position for the right person

Job Type: Full-time hours (35 hours/week)

Permanent Hourly

Pay: Compensation includes a competitive wage and gratuity

Note: We shut the winery for three weeks in January to allow everyone a time to decompress and revive themselves after the busy Holiday Season

How to Apply

To apply, please email your resume to jayne@ridgeroadwinery.ca or, even better, drop by the winery in person to see what we’re all about!

We are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that reflects the diverse population it serves, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals