Job Title: Estate Director
Location: Santa Barbara County

About the Role:

This position is an opportunity to join an up & coming estate wine project at a foundational stage. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, this is a rising brand in ultra-premium wine, committed to making wines that are true to place.

The project is seeking a seasoned Estate Director to lead strategic sales efforts and oversee the build-out and operation of a first-class estate tasting experience in downtown Los Olivos. This role blends leadership, vision, and hands-on execution—ideal for a dynamic self-starter with a deep appreciation for detail and luxury hospitality.


Position Summary:

This role will be instrumental in shaping the guest experience, building key sales channels, and crafting the operational backbone of a brand poised for long-term success in the luxury wine space. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, is energized by the startup mindset, and takes immense pride in elevating every detail to the highest standard.


Core Responsibilities:

Sales Director – Strategic Growth & Luxury Market Positioning:

Develop and implement forward-thinking sales strategies tailored to the luxury wine market.

Build deep relationships with distributors, sales accounts, and tasting room guests.

Identify and establish DTC sales opportunities and exclusive sales partnerships.

Collaborate closely with marketing to ensure luxury-aligned messaging across all platforms.

Represent the brand at wine events, trade shows, and private curated experiences.

Drive new business development while preserving brand exclusivity and integrity.

Forecast sales, optimize pricing, and inform inventory strategy with analytical precision.

Tasting Room Operations – Hospitality & Brand Embodiment:

Lead all aspects of the tasting room’s development and execution—from concept to daily operations.

Cultivate a team culture rooted in hospitality excellence, storytelling, and service precision.

Design unforgettable and unique guest experiences that reflect the estate’s message.

Manage day-to-day operations including staffing, scheduling, merchandising, and inventory.

Oversee POS systems and compliance tools to support a seamless retail experience.

Help execute private tastings and curated events that elevate brand prestige.

Project Management – Tasting Room Build-Out:

Serve as a project lead on the tasting room construction and design initiative.

Collaborate with architects, designers, and contractors to bring brand vision to life.

Monitor timelines, budgets, and quality control to ensure alignment with luxury standards.

Maintain smooth communication between vendors and leadership throughout the build-out process.


Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Wine Business, Marketing, Hospitality, or related field.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in wine sales and/or high-end hospitality operations.

Experience launching or scaling a wine or hospitality brand in a startup or fast-growing environment.

Understanding of fine wine and terroir-driven storytelling.

Proven leadership and team-building skills, with a guest-first mindset.

Strong organizational and project management abilities.

Proficiency in POS systems, CRM tools, and sales analytics platforms.

Advanced wine certifications (WSET, CMS) preferred.

Strong professional network within the wine and luxury sectors.

Prior experience overseeing hospitality construction or design projects a plus.


Compensation & Benefits:

$125,000-150,000, based on experience.

Performance-based bonuses.

Full benefits package, including health, dental, and vision.

Significant opportunity for long-term growth in a brand with legacy ambitions.


How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience, your approach to luxury wine sales and hospitality, and why you’re the right person to help shape the development of this brand.