Reports to: Assistant Director of Food & Beverage

Position Overview

The Beverage Manager at Carneros Resort and Spa is responsible for leading and developing the resort’s beverage program to drive revenue, enhance guest experiences, and create engaging onsite events and activations. This role focuses on daily beverage operations, team leadership, inventory management, beverage program innovation, and the oversight of POST Tasting Room. The Beverage Manager will ensure all beverage offerings, from restaurants and bars to banquets and the tasting room, reflect the resort’s luxury standards while driving profitability and guest engagement. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, hands-on leader with a passion for the wine and spirits industry, a strong background in beverage-driven revenue growth, and a strategic mindset for creating memorable, high-impact experiences for guests.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue Growth & Sales Strategy

• Develop and execute beverage sales strategies to maximize profitability across all outlets.
• Identify opportunities to increase per-guest spend, leveraging upselling techniques and curated beverage experiences.
• Analyze sales data and trends to optimize beverage pricing, promotions, and menu engineering.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Sales teams to promote beverage offerings through social media, digital marketing, and resort-wide campaigns.

Beverage Program Development & Innovation

• Curate and maintain a premium beverage program that aligns with Carneros Resort and Spa’s luxury standards.
• Develop and update wine, cocktail, and beverage menus seasonally, ensuring a balance of guest favorites and innovative offerings.
• Partner with local wineries, distilleries, and breweries to introduce exclusive tastings, partnerships, and limited-edition offerings.
• Implement beverage trends and sustainable sourcing initiatives to align with Carneros Resort and Spa’s luxury ethos.

Event Activations & Onsite Experiences

• Create and lead engaging beverage-driven events, activations, and promotions to attract guests and drive revenue.
• Collaborate with the Events and Sales teams to develop exclusive beverage experiences for weddings, corporate functions, and private tastings.
• Plan and execute onsite activations such as mixology workshops, sommelier-led tastings, cocktail competitions, and wine-pairing dinners.
• Work with local and national beverage brands to host pop-up events, industry nights, and brand collaborations.

Operational Excellence & Cost Control

• Oversee the ordering, receiving, and inventory control of all beverage products, ensuring accurate stock levels and cost management.
• Implement cost-control strategies to optimize beverage margins without compromising quality.
• Negotiate pricing and build relationships with beverage vendors, ensuring competitive purchasing agreements.
• Maintain compliance with ABC laws, responsible alcohol service regulations, and Carneros Resort and Spa policies.

Oversight of POST Tasting Room

• Lead all operations for POST Tasting Room, ensuring an exceptional wine-tasting experience that aligns with the resort’s luxury standards.
• Recruit, hire, and manage the tasting room team, providing ongoing training and development to maintain expertise in wine education and guest service.
• Develop wine tasting programs, exclusive wine flights, and seasonal offerings to enhance guest engagement.
• Implement sales strategies to drive wine purchases and club memberships, maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Oversee tasting room inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships to maintain a well-stocked and diverse wine selection.

Team Leadership & Training

• Recruit, train, and mentor bartenders, servers, and beverage team members, fostering a culture of service excellence.
• Conduct ongoing education on wine, spirits, mixology, and upselling techniques to enhance team expertise.
• Provide coaching and performance management to drive guest engagement and revenue growth.
• Ensure all staff are trained in responsible alcohol service and are well-versed in the resort’s offerings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in beverage management within a luxury resort, high-end restaurant, or event-driven hospitality environment.
• Proven track record of driving beverage revenue growth and implementing successful activations.
• Strong knowledge of wine, spirits, cocktails, and industry trends.
• Financial acumen, with experience in budgeting, cost control, and revenue forecasting.
• Proficiency in POS systems, inventory software, and sales analytics tools.
• Sommelier certification (WSET, CMS) or mixology certification is a plus.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on event needs.