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Estate Ambassador

Tasting Room Expo, Sonoma, CA, United States


Estate Ambassador

Hamel Family Wines – Sonoma Valley, CA

Hamel Family Wines (HFW), a family‑owned and operated winery in Sonoma Valley, is seeking an experienced wine professional with a strong background in hospitality and direct‑to‑consumer sales for the position of Estate Ambassador (Tasting Room Host). HFW is a premium, limited‑production winery dedicated to crafting terroir‑driven Bordeaux & Rhone Varieties from our estate vineyards in Sonoma Valley and the Moon Mountain District. Our vineyards are Certified Organic, Certified Biodynamic®, and dry‑farmed, reflecting our commitment to sustainable agriculture and long‑term stewardship of the land.

At Hamel, our hospitality program mirrors the same level of care and attention that we devote to our vineyards and winemaking. Each guest experience is thoughtfully curated and serves as a cornerstone of our direct‑to‑consumer program. The Estate Ambassador plays a key role in delivering exceptional, luxury‑level hospitality while cultivating lasting relationships with guests and collectors. The successful candidate will be energetic, polished, and highly motivated, with a strong foundation in wine education and a proven ability to drive wine sales.

This is a full‑time position requiring availability on Saturdays and Sundays. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and includes a competitive commission structure and comprehensive benefits.

Estate Ambassador Responsibilities

Host and guide guests through curated Hamel Estate experiences, including cave and winery tours

Deliver memorable, luxury wine tasting experiences that reflect the Hamel brand and philosophy

Engage guests through thoughtful storytelling, wine education, and brand history

Accurately describe wines, farming practices, and winemaking techniques

Cultivate long‑term guest relationships and drive direct‑to‑consumer wine sales

Promote and enroll guests into Hamel’s wine club membership program

Maintain and expand personal knowledge of Hamel wines, estate vineyards, and biodynamic farming practices

Record detailed guest preferences and visit notes to enhance future experiences

Support the hospitality team to ensure seamless daily operations and guest flow

Assist with daily opening and closing procedures, including glass polishing, table preparation, restocking, and inventory counts

Maintain a clean, polished, and welcoming tasting environment at all times

Communicate updates or changes to experiences clearly and professionally to guests

Host VIP guests, collectors, and trade visitors as needed

Provide occasional support for concierge services and guest communications

Assist with phone and email correspondence with guests and wine club members

Support estate events and special hospitality programming as needed

Perform additional duties as assigned

Estate Ambassador Qualifications

Previous experience in winery hospitality, luxury retail, restaurant service, or wine sales preferred

Passion for wine and a strong desire to continue learning and growing within the industry

Goal‑oriented with a proven ability to achieve or exceed sales targets

Professional, polished demeanor with exceptional guest service skills

Strong team player with a positive and collaborative attitude

Ability to multitask and remain composed in a fast‑paced environment

Strong problem‑solving abilities and sound judgment in guest‑facing situations

Comfortable speaking to both small and large groups of guests

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Wine education credentials such as WSET, CMS, or CSW preferred

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Must be at least 21 years of age

Compensation & Benefits The Estate Ambassador position at Hamel Family Wines offers an exceptional opportunity for a motivated wine professional to join a growing and dynamic hospitality team. Hamel Family Wines is committed to fostering a supportive and positive workplace culture. Our benefits package includes:

Competitive hourly wage ($23–$26 per hour depending on experience)

Commission and gratuity opportunities

Health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents

401(k) plan with company match

Two weeks of paid vacation

One‑week holiday closure in December

Two cases of Hamel wine annually

Daily staff lunch and snacks

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