Tasting Room Manager

Our client, situated in the Simonsberg-Paarl area has a vacancy for a Tasting Room Manager. The Tasting Room Manager will be mainly responsible for leading the Tasting Room team in delivering an unparalleled wine experience, driving sales growth, and managing all daily operations to the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities:

Guest Experience

  • Personally oversee wine tastings, demonstrating deep knowledge of the wines and estate
  • Collaborate with the Direct-to-Consumer Manager to continuously innovate and elevate the guest experience
  • Engage authentically with all guests to create memorable, educational experiences
  • Foster deep brand loyalty to turn visitors into ambassadors

Sales Growth & Performance

  • Achieve and exceed sales targets for POS, tasting fees, and wine club conversions
  • Develop and implement strategies with the DTC Manager to grow visitor numbers and repeat business
  • Maximize conversion of visitors to purchasers and wine club members

Team Leadership & Development

  • Manage, mentor, and lead the Tasting Room team
  • Hire, train, schedule, and supervise staff
  • Ensure continuous product and sales training in partnership with the Direct-to-Consumer Manager, Winemaker and Viticulturist

Operational Excellence

  • Oversee daily operations, including inventory management of wine and retail stock
  • Ensure accurate daily cash-ups and purchasing
  • Maintain proficient use of systems (EzyWine, Dineplan, Excel)
  • Manage Tasting Room staff roster, time and attendance

Events & Representation

  • Coordinate and host consumer tastings, VIP visits, and wine club events in collaboration with the Direct-to-Consumer Manager
  • Represent the brand at trade events and shows if necessary

Health, Safety & Compliance

  • Manage and enforce all health and safety protocols.
  • Ensure tasting room and facilities are maintained to immaculate standards

Minimum Requirements

  • WSET Level 3, CWA Diploma, SASA Sommelier, or equivalent is preferred
  • Min. 2 years’ management experience in a premium wine tasting location
  • Hospitality-driven with a passion for wine, knowledge and education
  • Proven track record in direct-to-consumer sales and achieving targets
  • Strong sales acumen and customer conversion focus
  • Experience in hospitality, staff training, and event coordination
  • Expert communicator with all levels of wine knowledge
  • Exemplary leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills
  • Reliable, accountable, and effective under pressure
  • Fluency in English and Afrikaans (additional languages will be beneficial)
  • Proficient in EzyWine, Excel, or ability to learn quickly
  • Own transport is essential

 

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  1. That you have read and understood our Privacy Policy (www.hopcal.co.za).
  2. That you give us permission to retain your personal information in our database for future matching to employment opportunities.
  3. Should suitable opportunities arise we will contact you and request your consent to submit your CV to a specific client for a specific purpose.
  4. That the information you have provided to us is true, correct and up to date.

 

Please ENSURE that your application includes the following:

  • a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae, inclusive of contact and email information
  • a covering letter motivating the application
  • an indication of current and expected remuneration
  • availability
  • contactable referees

 

If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please accept that your application was not successful. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

 

Closing date:   15 October 2025

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