ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Wine Associate Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWine Associate JobsWine Associate Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Wine Associate information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$11

$21

$36

How much do wine associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for wine associate in Santa Rosa, CA is $21.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $22.60 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Wine jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? The most popular types of Wine jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Wine Associate jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Wine Associate jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wine Associate jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Wine Associate jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Wine Associate jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Wine Associate job openings:
Wine Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wine Associate job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, and 63% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,184 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Wine Specialist (FT) - Imagery Estate Winery

Wine Specialist (FT) - Imagery Estate Winery

The Wine Group

Glen Ellen, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

The Wine Group rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 432 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

The Wine Group (TWG) is a leading producer of award-winning wines and alcoholic beverages across 120+ brands. With operations in California, New York and Australia, TWG is an innovator in developing and marketing brands beloved by consumers globally, including Cupcake, Franzia, Benziger, Imagery, Tribute, Chloe, Meiomi, Cooks, 7 Deadly, Cooper & Thief, and more. We produce our products using sustainable practices to create delicious beverages that people can feel good about. Visit us at www.thewinegroup.com.
JOB SUMMARY
Imagery Estate Winery is seeking enthusiastic and passionate wine sales and hospitality professionals to join our dynamic, high-energy Tasting Room team.
The Wine Specialist is a full-time position responsible for creating a memorable wine and customer service experience at our captivating estate property while promoting wine sales, enlisting new club members, and providing wine education to our visitors.
This position is scheduled for 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, with weekends mandatory. The schedule may be adjusted based on business needs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Provide excellent customer service in all areas: welcome guests, educate and present the portfolio of wines and elevated experiences.
  • Create and execute an exclusive experience for each customer: confidently and knowledgably speak to wines, varietals, winemaking/viticulture practices, growing areas, winery, and history.
  • Promote the sale of wine and non-wine products sold in the Tasting Room and drive new memberships to the Wine Club.
  • Strong focus on closing sales and up-selling is crucial.
  • Collect names and email addresses for future contact.
  • Host specialty programs, lunches, or dinners as assigned.
  • Promote and represent winery by pouring at offsite and on-premise special events.
  • Maintain, update, and expand knowledge of the winery, viticulture, enology by participating in educational trainings and tastings within the Winery and through outside sources.
  • Conduct daily seated tastings, elevated wine experiences, reserved and private group tastings as scheduled.
  • Learn POS systems and manage high volume wine and merchandise transactions. Possess a high level of integrity for performing sales transactions.
  • Provides retail merchandising support in the Tasting Room ensuring merchandise and displays are well-organized, visually appealing, and fully stocked.

OTHER FUNCTIONS
  • This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
  • Must be 21 years of age.
  • Two or more years' experience in a premium winery tasting room, hospitality setting and/or retail sales position preferred.
  • Must be available to work weekends, special events and holidays.
  • Enthusiasm for wine and interest in expanding expertise.
  • Service driven, with superior customer service, organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Friendly, positive, and professional disposition when dealing with guests, vendors, and team members.
  • Be a team player, working with other sales associates to reach monthly and daily sales goals.
  • Strong attention to detail and proactivity. Ability to multi-task, follow up, and work in a fast-paced environment under pressure.
  • Capability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
  • Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, and adherence to all safety regulations and operating procedures.
  • Must hold a valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Must be able to frequently lift and carry weights of up to 40 pounds at varying frequencies.
  • Ability to operate various types of machinery to include, but not limited to, lift trucks, hand trucks, dishwashers etc.
  • Ability to perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, standing, and twisting in the performance of various tasks.
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time.

COMPENSATION
  • Hourly Pay Rate Posted: $20.00 plus incentives, tips, and bonuses.

At The Wine Group, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristic protected by law.
#LI-CG1
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider, or agree to, payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.

What The Wine Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply