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Wine Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

First Batch

Wine Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$10/hr

District Winery--Wine Associate (Full Time) District Winery is building one of Washington, D.C.'s most dynamic urban winery experiences, and we are seeking hospitality professionals who want to be ...

Bottles LLC

Wine Associate

Columbia, SC · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Sales Associate supports the store's operations by assisting customers with product selection ... beer, wine, and spirits. - Educate customers on product attributes, pairings, and promotions ...

Bottles LLC

Wine Associate

Columbia, SC · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Sales Associate supports the store's operations by assisting customers with product selection ... beer, wine, and spirits. - Educate customers on product attributes, pairings, and promotions ...

The Winery At Bull Run

Wine Sales Associate

Aldie, VA · On-site

$12.50 - $14/hr

Job Type : Part Time TASTING ROOM WINE SALES ASSOCIATE 2024 OLD FARM WINERY AT HARTLAND - TASTING ROOM WINE SALES ASSOCIATE Tasting Room Wine Sales Associate is responsible for serving customers in ...

Heinen's Grocery Store

Wine & Beer Associate

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$15 - $21/hr

Our culture is rooted in an associate-first philosophy , placing a strong emphasis on the well ... Job Summary At Heinen's, our approach to wine & beer centers on creating a "wine & beer shop within ...

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Wine Associate information

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How much do wine associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for wine associate in the United States is $19.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Wine Associates, and how can they effectively address them?

Wine Associates often face challenges such as staying updated on a wide variety of wines, catering to diverse customer preferences, and handling inventory management. To overcome these, it's helpful to engage in regular tastings, attend industry trainings, and collaborate closely with team members and vendors. Strong communication skills and a willingness to learn can make it easier to recommend wines confidently and build rapport with customers, ensuring a rewarding experience for both staff and guests.

What is the difference between Wine Associate vs Wine Sommelier?

AspectWine AssociateWine Sommelier
CertificationsBasic wine knowledge, sometimes certifications like WSET Level 1 or 2Advanced certifications such as WSET Level 3 or Court of Master Sommeliers
Work EnvironmentRetail stores, wine shops, restaurantsUpscale restaurants, wine bars, hotels
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting customers, stocking, basic wine recommendationsWine service, tasting, pairing, customer education

While both roles involve wine knowledge, a Wine Associate typically works in retail or casual settings with basic wine expertise, whereas a Wine Sommelier has advanced training and works in fine dining environments, focusing on wine service and pairing. The roles differ mainly in certification level, responsibilities, and work setting, but both require a passion for wine and customer service skills.

What are Wine Associates?

Wine Associates are professionals who assist customers in selecting, purchasing, and learning about wines, typically in retail stores, wineries, or restaurants. They provide recommendations based on customer preferences, offer information about different wine varieties, regions, and food pairings, and sometimes handle inventory or organize tastings. Their goal is to enhance the customer experience and increase wine sales by sharing their knowledge and passion for wine.

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

To thrive as a Wine Associate, you need a solid understanding of wine varieties, tasting techniques, and customer service, often supported by retail or hospitality experience. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and wine certification programs like WSET is valuable. Outstanding interpersonal skills, salesmanship, and enthusiasm for educating customers set top performers apart. These skills ensure excellent customer experiences, drive sales, and help maintain an engaging and knowledgeable retail environment.
More about Wine Associate jobs
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Wine Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wine Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,327 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Wine Associate

First Batch

Washington, DC • On-site

$10/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

District Winery--Wine Associate (Full Time)
District Winery is building one of Washington, D.C.'s most dynamic urban winery experiences, and we are seeking hospitality professionals who want to be part of that vision!
The Tasting Room Associate at First Batch plays a pivotal role in delivering a world-class guest experience. In this hourly position, you will engage with guests, showcasing our wines, small plates, and overall winery experience. You will be responsible for confidently guiding guests through wine tastings, recommending wine pairings, and promoting our Wine Club and retail bottles. As a key representative of First Batch your primary goal is to enhance the guest experience while driving membership sales, retail bottle purchases, and awareness of our events, tours, and classes. This position requires a deep knowledge of our wines and events, a genuine passion for wine, and the ability to work seamlessly with a team
Position Summary
The Wine Associate is a wine-driven service role for individuals with an existing foundation in wine and fine dining hospitality. This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for professionals who are confident in their wine knowledge, committed to continued education, and motivated to grow within a serious wine program. In this role, you will guide guests through thoughtful tastings, curate food and wine pairings, and serve as a trusted ambassador of our wines, Wine Club, and experiences. The ideal candidate blends polished service with authentic warmth and takes pride in delivering hospitality at the highest level.
Responsibilities
Guest Experience & Hospitality:
  • Deliver a refined, welcoming, and personalized guest experience
  • Confidently lead structured wine tastings with clarity and professionalism
  • Provide intentional food and wine pairing recommendations
  • Anticipate guest needs and maintain seamless service standards

Wine Knowledge & Education:
  • Demonstrate strong working knowledge of grape varietals, regions, tasting structure, and food pairings
  • Speak confidently about District Winery's portfolio and urban winemaking approach
  • Actively pursue ongoing wine education and professional development

Sales & Brand Representation:
  • Thoughtfully introduce and successfully close Wine Club memberships
  • Drive retail bottle sales through consultative recommendations
  • Promote tours, classes, and ticketed events
  • Represent District Winery with professionalism and pride

Team Collaboration & Operational Excellence:
  • Collaborate seamlessly with culinary, events, and management teams
  • Maintain a polished, organized, and fully stocked tasting room
  • Execute opening, closing, and inventory procedures with precision
  • Accurately process transactions and uphold cash handling standards

Qualifications
  • Minimum 1+ year of service experience in casual fine dining or fine dining required
  • Existing wine knowledge required (varietals, regions, tasting notes, structure, pairings)
  • Wine certification (WSET, CMS, or equivalent) strongly preferred
  • Full-time availability required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Professional, polished demeanor with a genuine passion for wine and hospitality
  • Interest in building a long-term career in wine-focused hospitality

Essential Duties
  • Ability to stand and/or walk for 8-10 hours per shift
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to navigate stairs within the venue
  • Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

District Winery provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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