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 service presence across all outlets. The Beverage Manager will ensure all beverage offerings—from restaurants and bars to banquets—reflect the resort’s luxury standards while driving profitability and guest engagement. The ideal candidate is a dynamic, hands-on leader with advanced knowledge of wine and cocktails, a strong background in beverage-driven revenue growth, and a strategic mindset for creating memorable, high-impact experiences for guests. This role also requires regular presence on the floor at FARM and active collaboration with outlet leaders to keep menus current, staff trained, and operations seamless.

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.

Presence & Oversight

• Maintain a strong presence on the floor at FARM and other outlets during service to ensure quality, consistency, and staff support.
• Collaborate with outlet leaders to keep beverage offerings fresh, seasonal, and aligned with guest expectations.
• Provide input and leadership in daily service, supporting the guest experience with direct engagement and wine or cocktail recommendations.

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.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, including cases of wine, kegs, and beverage equipment.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including during service, events, and inventory processing.
• Comfortable working in storage areas, back-of-house spaces, and guest-facing environments throughout the resort.

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.
• Advanced 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 business and/or event needs.