Woodward Canyon Winery is seeking an Events & Hospitality Manager.

Position Summary:

The Events & Hospitality Manager is responsible for delivering exceptional guest experiences while strategically driving direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and brand engagement through daily tasting room management and high-impact winery events. This role serves as a key ambassador for Woodward Canyon Winery, responsible for growing our business by cultivating new customer relationships, engaging long-term wine club members, and leading end-to-end event strategy and execution.

Note:

The responsibilities and duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the core functions outlined below.

ROLE REPORTS TO

Director of Operations

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time / Hourly + Incentives

COMPENSATION

$26.00 - $29.00 / hour (DOE) + Gratuity & Commissions

LOCATION

Walla Walla Valley, WA

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Events & Event Strategy Event Leadership:

Serve as the primary lead for all onsite and offsite events, overseeing strategy, planning, execution, and post-event analysis to maximize guest experience and sales growth.

Experience Curation:

Conceptualize, schedule, and host unique, high-touch winery experiences, private cellar tastings, wine release events, club gatherings, and trade visits.

Logistics & Operations:

Coordinate all event logistics, including vendor management, catering, equipment/decor rentals, floor plans, and staffing schedules.

Promotions & Marketing:

Collaborate on event marketing and promotion, aligning with digital campaigns, social media, and promotional materials to ensure strong attendance.

Guest Management:

Manage group reservations, custom event packages, fee structures, and event-related guest communications.

Brand Representation:

Represent Woodward Canyon Winery at local, regional, and industry pouring events.

Financial Tracking:

Track and manage event budgets, guest counts, and revenue streams to evaluate event ROI and performance.

Daily Tasting Room & Hospitality Operations Operations Management:

Lead daily operations of the tasting room, maintaining a professional, welcoming environment that reflects Woodward Canyon brand standards.

Guest Engagement:

Pour and sell wine while engaging guests with detailed knowledge of Woodward Canyon Winery, our Estate Vineyards, and sustainable farming practices.

POS & Systems:

Manage point-of-sale (POS) systems, daily register audits, inventory reconciliations, and sales reporting.

Menu & Product Curation:

Curate tasting menus and price lists based on stock levels, new wine releases, and feature promotions.

Inventory & Merchandise:

Oversee merchandise purchasing, stock audits, corporate gifting, and business account management.

SOPs & Policies:

Maintain, update, and enforce all tasting room operational procedures and opening/closing checklists.

Concierge Service:

Act as a local concierge, providing guest recommendations for lodging, dining, and activities across the Walla Walla Valley.

Team Leadership & Administration Staffing & Development:

Determine staffing requirements; recruit, hire, train, schedule, and mentor tasting room and event staff.

Education & Training:

Develop staff enrichment programs to foster deep product knowledge, consultative sales techniques, and team cohesion.

Team Culture:

Cultivate a positive, collaborative team environment built on clear communication of brand values, sales goals, and business objectives.

Customer Service:

Address guest inquiries, feedback, or issues via phone and email in a timely, professional manner.

Cross-Functional & Operational Collaboration Inventory & Allocations:

Report directly to the Director of Operations to monitor inventory, establish tasting room allocation needs based on sales forecasts, and coordinate with winemaking/production through the Director.

Club Program Integration:

Align with the Director of Operations on wine club initiatives to ensure tasting room staff are properly trained on member benefits, special offers, and enrollment targets.

Strategic Planning & Budgeting:

Partner directly with the Director of Operations to develop annual DTC budgets, establish short- and long-term sales priorities, and execute business growth strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Experience:

3+ years of retail, winery, or hospitality management experience with a proven track record in event planning, production, and execution.

Education:

Bachelor's degree or wine-related certification preferred.

Leadership:

Demonstrated supervisory experience with the ability to inspire, train, and manage hospitality teams.

Industry Knowledge:

Strong working knowledge of winemaking ("vine to wine") and deep familiarity with the Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, and Washington State wine regions.

Technical Skills:

Proficient in winery software and tech platforms, including POS systems (OrderPort), reservation software (Tock), and text-messaging platforms (RedChirp); Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace proficiency required. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite and social media platforms is a plus.

Communication:

Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with a consultative approach to sales.

Organization:

High attention to detail, exceptional multi-tasking and project management skills, and strong problem-solving agility.

Licensing & Requirements:

Must possess or be able to obtain a valid MAST Permit and Food Handlers Card. Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. regularly.

Schedule Availability:

Regular weekend availability required (Saturday and Sunday), along with periodic evening hours for special events.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Competitive Benefits Package includes: Medical Insurance, Retirement Plan, Paid Vacation and Holidays, Gratuity, Club Sign-up Commissions, and Employee Wine Allocation & Discounts.

Pay:

$26.00 - $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan

Work Location:

In person