Events & Hospitality Manager

Woodward Canyon Winery is seeking an Events & Hospitality Manager.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…