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Master Of Wine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of wine and wine production. * Wine Certification with the Society of Wine Educators, Court of Master Sommeliers, or WSET preferred. * Very strong understanding of the English language.

Cellar Master

Walla Walla, WA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Quality Control and Oversight of wine and facility. * Aid in hiring cellar staff for harvest and ... cellar master experience in a large facility * Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly * Forklift ...

Knowledge of wine and wine production. * Wine Certification with the Society of Wine Educators, Court of Master Sommeliers, or WSET preferred. * Very strong understanding of the English language.

Wine Specialist

Yountville, CA · On-site

$19 - $22/hr

WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, or similar wine education certification preferred * Developed sensory perception of wines through site, smell, and taste * Strong attention to service and ...

WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, or similar wine education certification preferred * Developed sensory perception of wines through site, smell, and taste * Strong attention to service and ...

The Sommelier's daily responsibilities include but aren't limited to the selling of wine on the ... Court of Master Sommeliers Certified Certification or equivalent experience and education is ...

... of wine knowledge, including methods of production, regions of origin, grape varieties, vintages, and the ability to practically apply this knowledge. Completion of Level 1 & 2 -Court of Master ...

... of wine knowledge, including methods of production, regions of origin, grape varieties, vintages, and the ability to practically apply this knowledge. Completion of Level 1 & 2 -Court of Master ...

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Master Of Wine information

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$12

$58

$81

How much do master of wine jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for master of wine in the United States is $58.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.52 and $66.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Master Of Wine vs Sommelier?

AspectMaster Of WineSommelier
CredentialsAdvanced certification from the Institute of Masters of WineCertified Sommelier or similar certification from sommelier associations
Work EnvironmentIndustry experts, wine education, consulting, writingRestaurants, hotels, wine retail, event service
Industry UsageWine education, industry leadership, wine criticismCustomer service, wine pairing, wine sales

The Master Of Wine and Sommelier roles both involve wine expertise but differ in focus. The Master Of Wine is a highly advanced credential emphasizing wine knowledge, education, and industry leadership, often outside direct customer service. In contrast, a Sommelier primarily works in hospitality settings, providing wine service and recommendations to customers. While both roles require wine knowledge, the Master Of Wine is more academically and industry-focused, whereas the Sommelier emphasizes customer interaction and service skills.

How does a Master of Wine typically collaborate with other professionals in the wine industry?

Masters of Wine often work closely with winemakers, viticulturists, importers, and marketing teams to provide expert guidance on wine selection, blending, and market positioning. Their deep knowledge allows them to bridge communication between technical production teams and commercial stakeholders, ensuring quality standards and market demands are met. Regular collaboration may include tasting panels, educational seminars, and international events, making teamwork and strong communication skills essential to the role.

What is a Master of Wine?

A Master of Wine (MW) is a prestigious title awarded by the Institute of Masters of Wine to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge and expertise in the art, science, and business of wine. Achieving this title requires passing a rigorous examination process, which includes theory, practical blind tastings, and a research paper. Masters of Wine are respected leaders in the wine industry, often working as consultants, educators, writers, or in wine production and sales. The MW title is recognized globally as a mark of excellence and professionalism in the wine world.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Master of Wine, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Master of Wine, you need an advanced understanding of viticulture, enology, global wine markets, and tasting skills, typically achieved through extensive industry experience and passing the rigorous Master of Wine (MW) examination. Familiarity with wine analysis tools, sensory evaluation methods, and relevant certifications like WSET Diploma are standard in this role. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and networking abilities set outstanding candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are vital for providing authoritative expertise, leadership, and credibility in the global wine industry.
More about Master Of Wine jobs
What cities are hiring for Master Of Wine jobs? Cities with the most Master Of Wine job openings:
What states have the most Master Of Wine jobs? States with the most job openings for Master Of Wine jobs include:
Infographic showing various Master Of Wine job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,688 per year, or $58 per hour.

Director of Wine 5445 S. East St., Indianapolis, IN, 46227

Big Red Liquors

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Big Red Liquors rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description:

Position Summary


The Director of Wine leads Big Red Liquors' wine business by developing a best-in-class assortment that serves both everyday shoppers and wine enthusiasts. This position oversees purchasing, pricing, merchandising, supplier relationships, private label development, education, and promotional strategy while driving sales growth and profitability across all wine categories.

The Director of Wine serves as both a strategic business leader and a trusted authority on wine, helping position Big Red as Indiana's premier wine retailer.


Key Responsibilities


Category Leadership

  • Develop and execute the company's overall wine strategy.
  • Curate assortments across value, premium, luxury, domestic, imported, sparkling, rosé, and dessert wines.
  • Evaluate emerging regions, varietals, and consumer trends.
  • Optimize assortments by store demographics and customer preferences.

Purchasing & Supplier Management

  • Negotiate pricing, allocation opportunities, and supplier programs.
  • Build relationships with wineries, importers, distributors, and brokers.
  • Secure exclusive products and limited allocations.
  • Manage inventory investments and purchasing plans.

Pricing & Promotions

  • Develop competitive retail pricing strategies.
  • Build promotional calendars that maximize profitability.
  • Evaluate promotional performance through sales and margin analysis.
  • Recommend pricing adjustments based on competitive market conditions.

Merchandising & Customer Experience

  • Establish merchandising standards for all wine departments.
  • Design compelling displays, endcaps, feature tables, and seasonal presentations.
  • Oversee shelf organization, signage, and educational materials.
  • Create a shopping experience that encourages exploration and discovery.

Education & Training

  • Lead wine education initiatives for store teams.
  • Develop product knowledge materials and tasting guides.
  • Organize supplier training sessions and customer wine events.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning throughout the organization.

Financial Management

  • Manage sales, gross margin, inventory productivity, and profitability.
  • Monitor KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Analyze market trends and customer purchasing behavior.
  • Present regular category performance updates to executive leadership.

Marketing & Brand Development

  • Collaborate with Marketing on seasonal campaigns, email promotions, and in-store events.
  • Support wine clubs, tasting programs, and digital content.
  • Lead development of exclusive and private-label wine programs.

Leadership

  • Mentor wine buyers, merchandising teams, and category managers.
  • Foster collaboration across Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Store Leadership.
  • Champion innovation and continuous improvement.
Requirements:

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, CSW, or equivalent wine certification preferred.
  • 5–10 years of wine buying or category management experience.
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
  • Advanced analytical and financial acumen.
  • Excellent leadership and communication abilities.
  • Passion for wine education and customer engagement.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Wine sales growth
  • Gross margin %
  • Inventory turns
  • GMROI
  • Average bottle retail
  • Premium wine sales growth
  • Promotional ROI
  • In-stock percentage
  • Merchandising compliance
  • Customer event performance
  • Private label sales
  • Customer satisfaction

What Success Looks Like


The Director of Wine builds a differentiated wine program that combines exceptional value with premium selections, outstanding merchandising, knowledgeable staff, and strong supplier partnerships. This leader continuously elevates Big Red Liquors' reputation as Indiana's destination for wine while delivering sustainable sales growth, increased profitability, and an exceptional customer experience.


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