EVENTS AND TASTING ROOM SUMMER STUDENT (2024)
Job Description
Reporting to: Owners Anne and Marc Alton
About Alton Farms Estate Winery
Alton Farms Estate Winery is the pioneer estate winery and vineyard in Ontario’s emerging wine region, Huron Shores. Established in 2005, Alton Farms Estate Winery has seven acres of vineyard. We use sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery, and hand craft all our wines onsite. We provide a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
A critical function of this role is promoting awareness of our wines. We connect with consumers and other stakeholders in a myriad of ways, including onsite winery events, speaking opportunities, sponsorships, in-the-community farmers markets, and paid advertising.
Job Summary
The Store/Events summer student role is multifaceted, and will provide an opportunity to plan and execute a wide range of events at the winery and to possibly represent the winery at external events. In addition, the Events summer student will be required to work in the tasting room and wine store (honing your sales skills), and on the patio, as required.
You are well organized, a self-starter, able to prioritize tasks, and juggle multiple projects simultaneously. You are comfortable working independently or as a contributing partner to a larger team. You are adaptable and flexible to changing needs and priorities. You work well under pressure and can meet multiple deadlines. You are calm and comfortable interacting with the all the different facets of the public.
The Store/Events summer student role is a full-time summer position, starting in early June 2024 until the end of August 2024. This role includes both inside and outside work. Hours of work will be variable, depending on event schedule, and will total approximately 30-40 hours per week. Most work will be at Alton Farms Estate Winery; however, there may be some travel to external events required.
Essential Functions
- Work with Owners Anne and Marc Alton to plan and execute a range of events at the winery, including small group wine tasting, outside restaurant catered dinners on the patio and other scheduled patio events, group events in the event room and large dinner events in the vineyard; this includes coordinating all logistical details, reviewing contracts, working with vendors, other suppliers and winery staff, and may involve some handling of advertising, promotion and social media
- Represent the winery at external events, typically wine tastings
- Work in tasting room and wine store, or on patio as needed, selling wines, food preparation, promoting the winery and educating consumers about our winery and products
- Monitor customers to maintain Smart Serve requirements
- Perform other duties as directed by Owners Anne and Marc Alton
Experience and Qualifications
- Co-op placement, or non-Co-op student working towards a bachelor’s degree or college diploma in marketing, public relations, events, food and beverage or related discipline preferred, but not required
- Ability to work both independently with little supervision and as part of a team
- Diplomatic and tactful when dealing with the public. Able to handle difficult customer situations.
- Some salesmanship required, promoting and selling Alton Farms Estate Winery products
- Ontario Smart Serve certified
- Some local travel may be required
- Driver’s license and own vehicle (mandatory, no exceptions)