Wine Director

Premium Liquor Store

Wine Director

Easton, MD
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Benefits:

    401(k)

    Bonus based on performance

    Competitive salary

    Dental insurance

    Employee discounts

    Flexible schedule

    Free uniforms

    Health insurance

    Opportunity for advancement

    Paid time off

    Relocation bonus

    Training & development

    Vision insurance

    Position Overview

    We are seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Wine Buyer to curate and manage a refined, world-class wine selection for our upscale retail environment. This role is responsible for sourcing exceptional wines across all price points, with a strong emphasis on quality, uniqueness, and value.

    The ideal candidate combines a deep understanding of global wine regions with strong business acumen, ensuring a balanced portfolio that appeals to both everyday customers and high-end collectors.

    Key Responsibilities

    Wine Selection & Purchasing

    Curate a diverse, high-quality wine assortment including Old World, New World, and emerging regions

    Source premium, boutique, and allocated wines to differentiate the store’s offering

    Evaluate new products through tastings and industry relationships

    Manage all wine purchasing, including order placement, pricing, and vendor negotiations

    Vendor & Winery Relations

    Build and maintain strong relationships with distributors, importers, and winery representatives

    Negotiate pricing, allocations, and exclusive opportunities

    Coordinate in-store tastings, winemaker events, and staff education sessions

    Inventory & Financial Management

    Monitor inventory levels, product turnover, and sales performance

    Optimize margins while maintaining a premium, competitive selection

    Analyze sales trends and adjust buying strategy accordingly

    Minimize overstocks and out-of-stocks

    Merchandising & Presentation

    Design and maintain an elevated wine shopping experience through thoughtful merchandising

    Organize the sales floor by region, varietal, and price to enhance customer navigation

    Develop shelf talkers, tasting notes, and educational materials

    Customer Experience & Expertise

    Serve as the in-store wine expert, assisting customers with selections for everyday use, cellaring, and special occasions

    Provide elevated service to high-end clientele, including personalized recommendations and collection building

    Train and mentor staff to confidently sell wine

    Qualifications

    2–5+ years of experience in wine buying or a similar role in a premium retail or hospitality setting

    Strong knowledge of global wine regions, varietals, and producers

    Proven ability to analyze sales data and manage inventory effectively

    Excellent palate and tasting skills

    Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities

    Passion for hospitality and delivering a high-end customer experience

    Preferred Certifications (not required but a plus):

    WSET Level 2 or higher

    Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers)

    Other relevant wine education credentials