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Tasting Room Manager

Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery, and Distillery

Location: Mankato, Minnesota
Type: Full-Time, Non-Remote
Posted on: May 31, 2025
This job is no longer available from the source.
Tasting Room Manager
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE : Tasting Room Manager | Full-Time Position
REPORTS TO : General Manager
POSITION SUMMARY :
Under the direction of the General Manager & Event Director, The Tasting Room Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the tasting room and guest experience at Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery. This person will assist in the operational supervision and high-quality performance of the tasting room including the management and coordination of the tasting room and event staff. The tasting room manager will have a deep understanding and ability to enthusiastically communicate our history, winemaking, wines, and winery stories. This position will also work directly with the Event Manager as it relates to staffing and scheduling for any events at CCRW. This position plays a vital role in training new employees, responding to and resolving customer inquiries/complaints, and requires excellent customer service skills and a passion for wine. Proficiency in operating systems and current policies is required. Hospitality experience recommended.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :
Job Responsibilities:
The Tasting Room Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the tasting room and guest experience at Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery. The duties will include:
Management/Leadership
• Work with the management team on regular promotions and events
• Work with the management team on sales and marketing incentives
• Provides leadership to attract, develop and retain high-quality staff
• Develops or approves recommendations to change system policies and procedures and ensures timely and accurate implementation
• Assists GM & Event Director in development, maintenance, and adherence to the operating budget
• Work with GM & Event Director in developing sales goals, achieving sales goals, and controlling expenses to assure Chankaska most profitable
• Develop in conjunction with marketing and GM & Event Director, strategic initiatives to increase overall retail sales
• Participate in department and interdepartmental planning and management teams and work cross-functionally to improve processes within the organization
• Ensure up-to-date tasting menu, signage, and promotional materials for the Tasting Room.
• Lead regular team meetings
• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the tasting room and event staff through effective communication and enforcement of company policies and procedures and department operations.
• Work closely with Management staff to retain the Tasting Room and event staff
• Keep up to date on procedures, sales tips, event updates, and other pertinent information to aid sales and improve efficiency.
• Oversee all duties relating to staff scheduling, payroll, tip management, and inventory counts for all products sold in the tasting room. (merchandise inventory will be done by Merchandise Buyer)
• Communicate Tasting Room/staffing issues and status to the General Manager & Event Director
• Account for daily sales
• Assist other management staff in the planning and execution of large events and other group wine events
Tasting Room and Spirit Room
• Oversee and ensure a successful guest experience and Tasting Room workflow and operation.
• Work with Sprits Bar staff on creating new drinks and keeping the cocktail menu up to date.
• Always ensure adequate and efficient staffing while accommodating hours of operation, special events, and staff requests for time off.
• Work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the business, including evening and weekend shifts
• Interact with customers to develop loyalty and handle customer concerns
• Ensure that opening and closing procedures are properly followed
• Conduct Tasting Room and event staff training and education
• Ensure that all Tasting Room and Event staff always follow responsible hospitality standards.
• Give direction to staff and delegate responsibility as needed
• Oversee cleanliness and sanitation standards of the tasting room.
• Resolve guest concerns/complaints using good judgment and professionalism and courtesy.
• Assist with the shipping of wine when necessary.
• Maintain a friendly, warm, and clean tasting room environment (inside room and outdoor areas)
General
• Work with General Manager and Event Director, to create and execute engaging, educational, and memorable positive guest experiences that build brand loyalty.
• Nurture an atmosphere of teamwork and enthusiastic employee relations among the Tasting Room staff.
• Monitor and ensure achievement of performance goals of staff and drive projects that have short-term and long-term focus
• Conduct performance appraisals for all tasting room staff
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, the ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information and/or situations, and the ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Perform efficiently in a fast-paced environment utilizing multi-tasking and leadership
• May be requested to attend special events and tastings outside the winery
• By performance and example, ensure that Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery culture is consistently supported in all business and employee interactions, which includes ethical and legal aspects, complying with federal and state laws and company policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned
JOB SPECIFICATION :
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Highly customer service oriented.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Strong proficiency using MS Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated capability to interface and maintain effective relationships with all levels of employees in a team-oriented environment.
• Other critical skills include planning & organizing; problem identification/resolution, multi-tasking, follow-through skills to bring tasks to closure promptly, priority setting, and having a sense of urgency in accomplishing tasks promptly.
• Experience in tasting room sales or customer service-oriented position.
• Passion for knowledge of fine wine and willingness to learn more.
• Excellent hospitality, sales, organizational, and customer service skills.
• Must be available and willing to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to stand on one’s feet for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs.
COMPENSATION:
Salary negotiable assuming 40-50 hours per week, incentive program.
INQUIRIES:
Cynthia Strauser
Director of Events
507-931-0089 EXT 104
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
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