Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome guests, host wine tastings, and manage bookings at our boutique winery.
- Company: Join Sugrue South Downs, an award-winning English winery with a passion for fine wines.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, staff discounts, and regular wine tasting opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting team and make your mark in the English wine industry.
- Qualifications: Interest in wine, WSET Level 3 preferred, and experience in events or wine retail.
- Other info: Flexible shifts, weekend work, and potential to assist with harvest.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
Sugrue South Downs is the award-winning producer of boutique English sparkling and still wines made by celebrated winemakers Dermot and Ana Sugrue.
As our cellar door and events offering grows, we are now recruiting a Winery Host to join our team from December 2025/January 2026.
Key responsibilities
- Welcome guests, provide background knowledge to the business, our winemakers, and the English wine industry, and host tutored tastings of our range of sparkling and still wines
- Mange bookings, compile and print tasting sheets, menus, and event attendance lists
- Set up the tasting room ahead of events and ensure it is kept clean and tidy, with glasses polished, fridges stocked, sales stock replenished, etc
- Order event sundries (e.g. cheese, charcuterie, crackers, water) via external suppliers
- Manage our cellar door retail offering, assisting customers with wine sales and booking future events, liaising with our warehouse team for deliveries/stock transfers
- Manage winery stocktake
- Communicate with guests in advance of tastings and follow up for feedback, reviews, sales
- Write event/sales report for directors
- Assist with Winemaker Tastings on the last Friday of each month
- Assist with the organisation and hosting of monthly trade tastings
- Assist with the organisation and hosting of Sugrue Sundays and other one-off events
- Provide ad hoc support to other areas of the business, as required
Who you will work with
Reporting to: Marketing Director, Sales Director, Winemaker
Working with: Assistant Winemaker, Warehouse Assistant, Estate Manager
External: Customers/guests, Suppliers, Contract workers
Direct reports: n/a
We’re looking for someone with
- A keen interest in fine and English wine, with an understanding of viticulture/wine production
- WSET qualifications (Level 3 or above is desirable. Training will be available, if required)
- 1-2 years minimum in an events/sommelier/cellar door/wine retail role
- Experience with handling, storing, and serving fine wines
- A positive attitude and a willingness to jump in and help out with the varied needs of a small business
- A warm and confident demeanour, with excellent written, verbal, and organisational skills
- A natural sales ability and a capacity to build long-term customer relationships
Essential requirements
- The right to work in the UK
- Driving licence and own transport
Benefits
- This is a brand-new and fulfilling role to make your own, working at one of England’s most exciting boutique wineries
- A competitive salary based on experience
- A generous staff discount on wine purchases
- Regular wine tasting opportunities with the team
- The opportunity to assist with harvest, if desired
The role will be based at our winery in Wivelsfield Green over five days (45 hours) per week. Please note that this role includes regular weekend work and varied shift patterns. There may also be occasional attendance required at events off-site.
To apply, send your cover letter and CV to info@sugruesouthdowns.com
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Winery Host employer: Sugrue South Downs
Contact Detail:
Sugrue South Downs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Winery Host
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the winery inside out! Familiarise yourself with Sugrue South Downs' wines, the winemakers, and the English wine scene. This knowledge will help you engage guests and show your passion during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your hosting skills! Whether it's organising a mock tasting or volunteering at local events, gaining hands-on experience will boost your confidence and make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend wine events, join local wine clubs, and connect with industry professionals on social media. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities and insider tips.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at Sugrue South Downs.
We think you need these skills to ace Winery Host
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wine: When writing your application, let your love for fine and English wine shine through! Share any experiences or knowledge you have about viticulture or wine production to show us you're the perfect fit for our Winery Host role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for this position. Highlight your relevant experience in events, sommelier roles, or wine retail, and explain how these skills will help you excel at Sugrue South Downs.
Be Organised and Clear: We appreciate a well-structured application! Keep your CV neat and easy to read, and ensure your cover letter is concise yet informative. This reflects your organisational skills, which are key for managing bookings and events.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at Sugrue South Downs!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sugrue South Downs
✨Know Your Wines
Brush up on your knowledge of fine and English wines, especially the ones produced by Sugrue South Downs. Be prepared to discuss viticulture and wine production, as well as any WSET qualifications you have. Showing genuine enthusiasm for their products will definitely impress!
✨Showcase Your Hosting Skills
Since the role involves welcoming guests and hosting tastings, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with customers. Highlight your ability to create a warm atmosphere and manage events smoothly, as this is key to being a great Winery Host.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
The job requires managing bookings and setting up tasting rooms, so demonstrate your organisational skills. Bring up specific instances where you've handled multiple tasks efficiently, and be ready to discuss how you would keep everything running smoothly at the winery.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication is crucial in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've built long-term customer relationships in the past. Also, think about how you would follow up with guests after tastings to gather feedback and encourage future sales.