1

Wine Distributor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

District Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Minimum five years' experience selling fine wines (Sommelier, Supplier, Distributor) * Proven track record of developing new business opportunities, growing existing accounts, and building and ...

District Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Minimum five years' experience selling fine wines (Sommelier, Supplier, Distributor) * Proven track record of developing new business opportunities, growing existing accounts, and building and ...

Minimum five years' experience selling fine wines (Sommelier, Supplier, Distributor) * Proven track record of developing new business opportunities, growing existing accounts, and building and ...

Showing results 41-60

Wine Distributor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$17

$28

How much do wine distributor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for wine distributor in Chicago, IL is $17.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wine distributor?

Wine distributors are companies or individuals who act as intermediaries between wineries and retailers, restaurants, or consumers. They purchase wine in bulk from producers and then sell and deliver it to businesses that sell wine to the public. Distributors handle logistics, storage, and compliance with alcohol regulations, making it easier for producers to reach a wider market and for retailers to access a variety of wines. Their role is essential in the wine supply chain, ensuring efficient distribution and availability of products.

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

To succeed as a Wine Distributor, you need a solid understanding of wine varieties, industry regulations, and sales strategies, often supported by experience in beverage distribution or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management software, CRM systems, and knowledge of licensing requirements are typically necessary. Excellent negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills help you connect with clients and manage accounts effectively. These competencies ensure efficient distribution, regulatory compliance, and strong client relationships critical for business growth in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges wine distributors face when building relationships with new clients?

Wine distributors often encounter challenges such as navigating the preferences of diverse clients, standing out in a competitive market, and complying with complex regulations. Building trust with new clients requires in-depth product knowledge, consistent communication, and excellent customer service. Additionally, distributors must adapt to changing trends and ensure timely delivery to maintain strong relationships and foster repeat business.

What is the difference between Wine Distributor vs Wine Sales Representative?

AspectWine DistributorWine Sales Representative
CredentialsBusiness licenses, industry knowledgeSales certifications, product knowledge
Work EnvironmentWarehouse, distribution centers, logisticsClient meetings, retail or restaurant visits
Employer & Industry UsageDistributors supply retailers/restaurantsRepresent wineries to clients, promote products

In summary, a Wine Distributor manages the logistics and supply chain of wine products, focusing on distribution channels. A Wine Sales Representative, on the other hand, actively promotes and sells wine to retailers and restaurants. Both roles require industry knowledge but differ in daily tasks and work environment.

How do wine distributors make money?

Wine distributors make money by purchasing wine from producers at wholesale prices and selling it to retailers, restaurants, or other clients at a higher markup. They often earn revenue through sales commissions, distribution fees, and markups on the products they handle, relying on strong relationships and inventory management skills to maximize profit margins.

What are popular job titles related to Wine Distributor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Wine Distributor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wine Distributor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Wine Distributor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Wine Distributor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Wine Distributor job openings:

Infographic showing various Wine Distributor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,312 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Distribution Driver Class A - Union

Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits

Bolingbrook, IL • On-site

$23.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 163 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 423 rated retail wholesalers


Job description

What You Need To Know
Shape a remarkable future with us. Build a career working for an industry leader that truly invests in their people - and equips them with leading technology, continuous learning, and the ability to bring their best selves to work. As North America's largest total beverage distributor, Southern Glazer's isn't just one of Forbes' Top Private Companies; it's a family-owned business with deep roots dating back to 1933.
Southern Glazer's is proud of its well-earned positive reputation, continually achieving accolades for our outstanding workplace culture. We take pride in creating a culture where our people are valued, supported, and provided opportunities for growth and belonging.
As a full-time employee, you can choose from a wide-ranging menu of our Top Shelf Benefits, including comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage, dental and vision plans, tax-saving Flexible Spending Accounts, disability coverage, life insurance plans, and a 401(k) plan. We also offer tuition assistance, a wellness program, parental leave, vacation accrual, paid sick leave, and more.
By joining Southern Glazer's, you would be part of a team that values excellence, innovation, and community. This is more than just a job - it's an opportunity to build the future of beverage distribution and grow with a company that truly cares about its people.
Southern Glazer's offers a competitive compensation package with a pay rate of $23.50 / hour. In determining a final offer, the company will evaluate a specific candidate's education, skills and experience and will make an offer appropriately.
Overview
The Distribution Driver Class A is responsible for delivering products to clients; inspect the general condition of the vehicle; prepare, load, unload, operate, and clean the vehicle. Review standing orders, develop sales, process payments, and maintain records.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Deliver statewide products to bars, restaurants, hotels, etc
  • Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections on the vehicle
  • Receive payment for goods delivered
  • Sort merchandise by the invoice for delivery
  • Adhere to the safe and courteous operation of the delivery vehicle at all times
  • Check-in money and returned goods daily with Driver Check-in & Accounting Cashier
  • Complete all required paperwork daily, including Department of Transportation logbook and driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR)
  • Report to work in adherence to company uniform standards (e.g., neat, clean, and properly attired)
  • Adhere to all safety regulations, and perform all duties in a safe manner
  • Plan trip logistics and obtain necessary documents to transport goods
  • Load and unloaded cargo make sure safety equipment is being utilized
  • Ensure cargo is secured properly compliant with safety requirements
  • Report any incidents to the dispatcher
  • Follow/adhere to all traffic laws
  • Maintain vehicle, product, and equipment tidy and in good working order
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

Additional Primary Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
  • 1 year of experience
  • Must be Department of Transportation (DOT) certified
  • Commercial Driver s License required
  • Must be at least 21 years of age

Physical Demands
  • Physical demands include a considerable amount of time walking, bending, reaching, standing, squatting, and stooping
  • Must be able to frequently lift, lower, push, carry, or pull up to 48 pounds
  • Must be able to regularly sit and operate machinery such as a forklift, pallet jacks, and battery change stations
  • Work may involve repetitive motions, working at varying heights, and exposure to warehouse environmental conditions
  • Extended hours, overtime, weekends, and peak-season schedules may be required

EEO Statement
Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, an Affirmative Action/EEO employer, prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment 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. SGWS complies with all federal, state and local laws concerning consideration of a qualified applicant's arrest and/or criminal conviction records. Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits provides competitive compensation based on estimated performance level consistent with the past relevant experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and education of employees. Unless otherwise expressly stated, any pay ranges posted here are estimates from outside of Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits and do not reflect Southern Glazer's pay bands or ranges.
If you have any questions or concerns about whether this posting complies/adheres with local pay transparency requirements, please contact the SGWS talent acquisition team at NationalTA@sgws.com

What Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom