Wine & Hospitality Associate Ledson Hotel & Zina Lounge, Sonoma, CA Ledson Winery & Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery with deep roots in Sonoma County's winemaking history. Since 1868, our family has been involved in grape growing and wine production. In 1993, Steve Ledson, a fifth-generation winemaker and viticulturist, established Ledson Winery, quickly growing into a successful direct-to-consumer operation with a loyal following and enduring wine club—one that still includes our very first member! In 2002, Steve expanded the brand by opening The Ledson Hotel, a luxury retreat on the Sonoma Plaza. Today, Ledson produces wine under three distinct labels, with 90% of the grapes sourced from estate-grown vineyards. Additionally, we partner with legendary growers and long-time family friends. Our wines are a result of impeccable farming practices and world-class vineyard sites across Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino Counties. At Ledson, we believe in a "quality first" mantra—not only in our wines but in every aspect of our business. From our tasting room and grounds to our customer service and guest experiences, we are dedicated to providing an unforgettable, top-tier experience for everyone who walks through our doors. This is an exceptional opportunity to become an integral part of our family at one of the world's premier wineries. A Great Place to Build Your Career Recognized as one of the best places to work by the North Bay Business Journal, Ledson Winery & Vineyards values its employees as an extension of the family. We believe in recognizing and appreciating every team member because we know that our success is directly tied to their dedication and hard work. At Ledson, we foster a culture where everyone is valued and encouraged to grow. We're not just offering a job; we're offering a career. The opportunities for growth at Ledson are endless—it's up to you to make the most of them. With 20 to 42 years of employee tenure, there's a reason our staff stays with us for the long haul. Join us and see why Ledson is more than just a workplace; it's a place to build a lasting, fulfilling career. Job Summary & Primary Responsibilities The tasting room & hospitality associate is a hands-on hospitality position supporting the daily operations of both the Ledson Hotel and Zina Lounge. This person will be cross trained in tasting room and hotel operations and must be comfortable helping wherever needed. Responsibilities range from conducting wine tastings and assisting hotel guests to preparing cheese and charcuterie boards, restocking wine, polishing glassware, maintaining guest areas, and completing opening and closing procedures. We are looking for someone who is positive, dependable, organized, and active. The ideal candidate takes initiative, manages multiple priorities, follows tasks through to completion, and maintains high standards without requiring constant direction. When the manager is unavailable, they will help guide the daily operation, support the team, respond to guest needs, and ensure established procedures are followed. Guest Experience, Wine and Sales
- Welcome tasting room and hotel guests with warmth and professionalism.
- Conduct engaging wine tastings and share the stories of Zina Hyde Cunningham, the Ledson family, and our wines.
- Recommend and sell wine, merchandise, food, tasting experiences, hotel accommodations, and wine-club memberships.
- Assist wine-club members and maintain accurate guest and customer information in the company CRM.
- Follow up with customers by phone, email, or text when assigned.
- Address guest questions and concerns promptly and professionally.
- Support individual and team sales, membership, referral, and retention goals. Hotel Guest Services
- Assist with hotel check-ins, check-outs, reservations, and guest requests.
- Explain hotel amenities, parking, property access, and arrival procedures.
- Provide recommendations for local restaurants, wineries, transportation, and activities.
- Assist with luggage, room amenities, special requests, and after-hours arrival preparation.
- Communicate guest requests, preferences, and maintenance concerns to the appropriate team members.
- Help inspect guestrooms and common areas to ensure they are clean, prepared, and presented according to company standards. Daily Operations
- Help manage the flow of reservations, walk-ins, hotel guests, wine-club members, and tasting experiences.
- Complete opening, daily, and closing checklists accurately.
- Prepare cheese and charcuterie boards according to company presentation and food-safety standards.
- Restock wine, glassware, wine bags, merchandise, menus, food supplies, and hotel amenities.
- Wash, polish, organize, and restock glassware and dishes.
- Maintain clean and organized tasting, kitchen, hotel, storage, and guest areas.
- Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing wine and operational supplies.
- Support event setup, service, breakdown, and cleanup.
- Follow cash-handling procedures, including till counts and cash drops.
- Complete closing security checks, including doors, gates, cabinets, wine, cash, and storage areas.
- Report inventory, maintenance, safety, technology, or property concerns promptly. Required Skills
- Positive Attitude & Passion for
Growth:
Maintain a consistently energetic and positive attitude, with a passion for pleasing customers. Driven to grow the business through phone sales and emails while building rapport with every individual, whether they purchase or not.
Communication Excellence:
Demonstrate excellent communication skills and take responsibility for meeting annual revenue goals, member acquisition, and retention targets through professional and effective phone and email interactions.
Wine Passion & Education:
Possess a passion for wine and educate customers and wine club members on their wine needs through suggestive selling and upselling techniques.
Relationship Building:
Engage and nurture long-term relationships with current customers and wine club members to ensure loyalty.
Weekend & Evening Availability:
Must be available to work weekends and occasional evenings for special events as scheduled.
Learn & Grow:
Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow, benefiting from training rooted in 150 years of Ledson family sales experience. Qualifications
Outgoing & Positive Personality:
Must possess a positive, outgoing personality, with respect, honesty, and integrity at the forefront of all interactions.
Proven Sales Experience:
Ability to successfully sell over the phone or via email, with a proven sales record.
Customer Service & Retention:
Strong understanding of customer service and the importance of retention.
Wine Knowledge:
Wine knowledge is a plus, or a desire to expand knowledge through research and participation in staff tastings.
Team Player:
Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Work Ethic & Integrity:
Strong work ethic and high level of integrity.
Technical Skills:
Basic computer knowledge, including familiarity with Outlook and AMS, is a plus.
Professional Appearance & Demeanor:
Must always maintain and present a professional appearance and demeanor.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to sit and/or stand for an 8-hour shift, lift 40 lbs. as needed.
Screening:
Must be able to pass a drug and background screening. Compensation
Position Type:
Full-time
Hourly Rate:
$20 to $24 per hour, with additional earnings from monthly bonuses based on sales performance.
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available.
- 2 weeks of annual vacation accrual.
- 40 annual sick hours
- 401K plan.
- Opportunity for profit sharing based on length of employment and consistent sales performance.
Pay:
$50,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off
Work Location:
In person