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Tasting Room Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY As the Tasting Room Associate, you are responsible for providing efficient and friendly service to customers. Their primary role is to take orders, process payments, and deliver food ...

The Tasting Room Associate is responsible for engaging the customer in a professional and gracious manner, while providing an authentic wine tasting experience with our portfolio of ultra-premium ...

Tasting Room Associate

Lodi, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

To fill the Part-Time Tasting Room Associate position, we are looking for people who enjoy working in a hospitality environment, enjoy customer interactions, promoting and selling wines, fast-paced ...

Tasting Room Associate

Lodi, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

To fill the Part-Time Tasting Room Associate position, we are looking for people who enjoy working in a hospitality environment, enjoy customer interactions, promoting and selling wines, fast-paced ...

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Tasting Room Tender

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

A Wine Tender is a person who would be working behind the bars in the tasting room bar, the upper villa ground and also as a small team with other Tasting Room Associates. Savannah Chanelle Vineyards ...

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Tasting Room Tender

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

A Wine Tender is a person who would be working behind the bars in the tasting room bar, the upper villa ground and also as a small team with other Tasting Room Associates. Savannah Chanelle Vineyards ...

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Tasting Room Associate information

See California salary details

$11

$29

$65

How much do tasting room associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for tasting room associate in California is $29.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by tasting room associates, and how can they be addressed?

Tasting Room Associates often encounter challenges such as managing large crowds during busy hours, handling guests with varying levels of wine knowledge, and balancing multiple tasks like pouring, educating, and upselling products. Effective communication, patience, and a strong understanding of the wines offered are essential for success. Many associates find that learning to read guests’ preferences and tailoring their approach enhances the guest experience while also meeting sales goals.

What is the difference between Tasting Room Associate vs Tasting Room Host?

AspectTasting Room AssociateTasting Room Host
CredentialsCustomer service skills, sometimes wine knowledge or certificationCustomer service skills, basic wine or hospitality knowledge often preferred
Work EnvironmentEngaging with customers, pouring wine, providing informationGreeting guests, managing reservations, guiding visitors
Employer & Industry UsageWineries, vineyards, wine tasting roomsWineries, vineyards, wine tasting rooms

While both roles involve interacting with visitors in a wine tasting setting, Tasting Room Associates typically focus on pouring wine, providing product knowledge, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Tasting Room Hosts mainly handle guest greetings, reservations, and guiding visitors through the tasting experience. Both positions require excellent customer service skills and wine knowledge, but the Associate role often involves more direct wine service, whereas the Host role emphasizes guest management and hospitality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tasting room associate, and why are they important?

To excel as a Tasting Room Associate, you need strong customer service skills, knowledge of wines or beverages, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, reservation platforms, and basic inventory management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and enthusiasm for educating guests help create memorable tasting experiences. These abilities are essential for ensuring customer satisfaction, promoting sales, and representing the brand effectively.

What is a tasting room associate?

Tasting Room Associates are hospitality professionals who work in wineries, breweries, or distilleries, guiding guests through tastings and sharing information about the beverages offered. They provide excellent customer service by educating visitors about the production process, flavor profiles, and the story behind each product. Their role often includes pouring samples, answering questions, selling products, and ensuring guests have a memorable experience. Tasting Room Associates also help with daily operations such as restocking, cleaning, and maintaining a welcoming environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Tasting Room jobs in California? The most popular types of Tasting Room jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Tasting Room Associate jobs in California? For Tasting Room Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tasting Room Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Tasting Room Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Tasting Room Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Tasting Room Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Tasting Room Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,485 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Tasting Room Associate

Acme Ventures LLC

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$16.90/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 hours ago


Job description

Description:

WHO WE ARE

Acme Hospitality owns and operates a collection of highly acclaimed and award-winning food & beverage concepts and boutique hotels throughout California. In addition to a collection of restaurants and hotels, we create hospitality experiences that inspire people, create a sense of camaraderie, and make people happy.


MISSION & CORE VALUES

Above all else, we are committed to providing our team members with a work environment and experience that we can be proud of. Our Core Values of Delivering Excellence, Embrace Originality, Act with Integrity and Celebrate Community are the essential ingredients for success.


POSITION SUMMARY

As the Tasting Room Associate, you are responsible for providing efficient and friendly service to customers. Their primary role is to take orders, process payments, and deliver food and beverages to customers in a timely manner.


ACME TEAM MEMBER QUALITIES:

  • A strong and committed work ethic with ever-present enthusiasm.
  • A passion for work and knowledge of food and beverages.
  • Someone who can lead and takes pride in teaching others.
  • Someone who is honest and has integrity.
  • Ability to multitask under pressure with a smile.
  • A true team player, proactive and always going above and beyond.
  • An eye for detail, cleanliness and organization.
  • Someone who is humble and always willing to learn and get better.
  • Someone who has the ability to make appropriate decisions in adverse situations.
  • Ability to question, bring ideas to the table, and desire to make changes to be the best we can be.

THE OVERALL ROLE OF THE TASTING ROOM MANAGER IS TO:

  • Greet guests warmly and provide them with seating options and a wine list.
  • Provide detailed explanations of the wines.
  • Assist guests in selecting food and beverages by making knowledgeable recommendations based on their preferences and dietary restrictions.
  • Take accurate food and drink orders, using a point-of-sale (POS) system, and communicate with kitchen and bar staff.
  • Ensure that all special requests or modifications to orders are communicated correctly to the kitchen and accommodated as much as possible.
  • Serve food and beverages promptly and accurately, ensuring proper presentation and adherence to quality standards.
  • Monitor tables throughout the meal to anticipate and fulfill guests' needs, such as refilling drinks, clearing plates, and providing additional utensils or condiments.
  • Prepare and serve specialty drinks or cocktails, if required by the establishment.
  • Answer guest inquiries about food, beverages, and restaurant services in a courteous and knowledgeable manner.
  • Upsell menu items, such as appetizers, desserts, or premium beverages, to enhance the dining experience and increase revenue.
  • Handle guest complaints or concerns promptly and professionally, escalating to a supervisor or manager if necessary.
  • Process guest payments accurately, including handling cash, credit card transactions, and using POS systems.
  • Collaborate effectively with kitchen and bar staff to ensure smooth coordination between the front and back of the house.
  • Maintain a clean and organized dining area, including setting tables, folding napkins, and arranging table settings.
  • Follow all health and safety regulations and adhere to proper food handling and sanitation practices.
Requirements:

REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE:

  • 2 years previous experience as a Server or Tasting Room Associate in a restaurant or tasting room is typically required.
  • Extensive knowledge of food and beverage menus, including wine pairing and cocktail recipes.
  • Strong customer service skills, with the ability to provide personalized and attentive service.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with guests and team members effectively.
  • Professional and polished appearance, with a focus on attention to detail.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining composure.
  • Familiarity with POS systems and basic math skills for accurate order taking and payment processing.
  • Exceptional organization and multitasking abilities.
  • Flexibility to work in shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Understanding fine dining etiquette and service standards.
  • Ability to work well in a team and collaborate with colleagues.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift trays or plates when necessary.
  • Excellent memory retention for accurately taking and delivering orders.
  • Understanding responsible alcohol service practices and compliance with legal drinking age verification.
  • RBS certification for responsible alcohol service is required.
  • Current Food Handler Certification

REPORTING STRUCTURE:

  • Tasting Room Associate reports to the General Manager

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Tasting Room Associates may be asked to travel periodically.

JOB STATUS:

  • Non-Exempt

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an Acme Hospitality Team Member in this position may be asked to perform from time to time. Based on business needs or Guest service objectives, you may also be asked to perform other duties or tasks in addition to those listed above and will be required to have completed required training associated with the other duties or tasks.