1

Wine Associate Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service ... Knowledge of industry trends in specialty wines and beers as they relate to the consumer

Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service ... Knowledge of industry trends in specialty wines and beers as they relate to the consumer

Cashier - Part Time

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$18.02 - $25.23/hr

... associate. Internally, you will be referred to Front End Team Member and report to the store ... Participate in wine, spirits, and beer training to build product knowledge * Maintain knowledge of ...

HR Coordinator

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$23.50 - $30.54/hr

Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE). This role supports a broad range of HR operations and employee ... Associate's Degree required, Bachelor's Degree preferred; Or equivalent combination of education ...

HR Coordinator

Woodinville, WA · On-site

$23.50 - $30.54/hr

Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE). This role supports a broad range of HR operations and employee ... • Associate's Degree required, Bachelor's Degree preferred; Or equivalent combination of ...

Sales Associate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

... beer, wine, and spirits professionals. Downtown Spirits believes in the wellbeing of its team ... Successful associates have grown to become buyers, marketing managers and much more. The company ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Wine Associate information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$22

$37

How much do wine associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for wine associate in Seattle, WA is $22.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wine associate?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a wine associate?

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 common challenges faced by wine associates, and how can they 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 the most commonly searched types of Wine jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Wine jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Wine Associate jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Wine Associate jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wine Associate jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Wine Associate jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Wine Associate jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Wine Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Wine Associate job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,031 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Quality Food Centers rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Create an outstanding customer experience through exceptional service. Establish and maintain a safe and clean environment that encourages our customers to return. Assist the department manager in reaching sales and profit goals established for the department, and monitor all established quality assurance standards. Embrace the Customer 1st strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent customer service. Demonstrate the company's core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety of others.

  • Second language (speaking, reading and/or writing)
  • Knowledge of imported and domestic varieties, the flavor profiles and how they are made
  • Knowledge of industry trends in specialty wines and beers as they relate to the consumer
  • Experience working with wine and beer
  • Retail experience
  • Second language (speaking, reading and/or writing)
  • High school education or equivalent
  • Must be 21 years of age
  • Ability to handle stressful situations
  • Effective communication skills
  • Knowledge of basic math
  • Pass wine test once employed
  • Promote trust and respect among associates
  • Create an environment that enables customers to feel welcome, important and appreciated by answering questions regarding products sold within the department and throughout the store
  • Gain and maintain knowledge of products sold within the department and be able to respond to questions and make suggestions about products
  • Offer product samples, consistent with company guidelines and applicable laws, to help customers discover new items or products inquire about
  • Inform customers of wine specials
  • Provide customers with products that they have requested
  • Recommend wine items to customers to ensure they get the products they want and need
  • Assist customers with pairing of wine and other items such as meat, cheeses, desserts
  • Collaborate with store chef for wine tastings and other programs featuring wines
  • Stay current with present, future, seasonal and special ads
  • Ensure proper temperatures in cases and coolers are maintained and temperature logs are maintained
  • Reinforce safety programs by complying with safety procedures and identify unsafe conditions and notify store management
  • Practice preventive maintenance by properly inspecting equipment and notify appropriate department or store manager of any items in need of repair
  • Notify management of customer or employee accidents
  • Report all safety risk, or issues, and illegal activity, including: robbery, theft or fraud
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation

What Quality Food Centers employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom