Tasting Room Manager (Iwayini / Villiera Wines)

The Tasting Room Manager is responsible for leading our wine tasting operations and guest experience. This role combines wine expertise, hospitality management, and retail operations while maintaining the highest standards of customer service.  This position is based at Villiera Wines in Stellenbosch.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations Management:

• Oversee daily tasting room operations and service delivery
• Manage tasting room staff scheduling and supervision
• Ensure excellent customer service standards
• Maintain stock levels and inventory control
• Coordinate with cellar for wine stock requirements
• Manage point-of-sale systems and cash handling
• Oversee tasting room cleanliness and presentation
• Maintain rigorous quality and food safety standards, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and continuously improve processes to consistently deliver safe, high-quality products

Wine Sales & Marketing:

• Drive direct-to-consumer wine sales
• Coordinate wine-tasting events and experiences
• Develop and implement sales strategies
• Track and report on sales performance
• Build relationships with regular customers
• Assist with social media content creation

Staff Management:

• Recruit and train tasting room staff
• Conduct regular wine knowledge training
• Oversee staff performance and development
• Ensure staff compliance with service standards
• Coordinate staff schedules for peak seasons
• Manage casual staff during events
• Conduct performance evaluations

Guest Experience:

• Design and implement tasting experiences
• Handle VIP guest arrangements
• Manage group bookings and tours
• Resolve customer queries and complaints
• Ensure memorable visitor experiences
• Coordinate with restaurant and events teams
• Maintain high standards of presentation

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Diploma in Hospitality Management or related field
• WSET certification (Level 2 minimum)
• Cape Wine Academy certification (advantageous)
• First aid certification
• Responsible beverage service certification
• Minimum 3-5 years hospitality management experience
• Proven wine industry experience
• Customer service management background
• Retail management experience
• Event management experience
• Valid Drivers license’
• Own transport
• Flexibility to work weekends and public holidays
• Physical stamina for long hours
• Smart professional appearance
• Legal age to serve alcohol

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Extensive wine knowledge
• Strong leadership abilities
• Excellent communication skills
• Customer service orientation
• Financial management skills
• Problem-solving capabilities
• Organizational abilities
• Bilingual: English and Afrikaans (additional languages beneficial)
• Proficiency in POS systems
• Computer literacy (MS Office)
• Inventory management systems
• Basic wine production knowledge

In support of our Employment Equity plan, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups.

Applications to be submitted in writing to Lesley.Rose@Iwayini.co.za 

CLOSING DATE: 31 JANUARY 2026 - NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.