Careers

Event Manager

Early Mountain Vineyards has an immediate opening for an Event Manager. We are seeking a talented, creative and outgoing individual to help our Events Department. This position will focus on management and coordination of catered weddings up to 100 people, private events, and festivals at the vineyard. We are looking for a person that has an entrepreneurial approach to their work so that we may continue to grow our event revenue. Applicants must have the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, exercise initiative, and maintain a positive attitude while providing first-class customer service.

Previous catering/banquet experience a must.

Job Expectations:

• Working with Director of Events to grow awareness in the catering and special events market.
• Composing and administering contracts and BEOs for all catered events and tastings.

• Helping to meet annual departmental revenue goals.
• Maintaining all wedding, event & catering sales collateral.
• Brainstorming and implementing event plans and concepts.
• Handling budgeting and invoicing.
• Liaising and negotiating with vendors.
• Negotiating customer contracts..
• Handling event planning from initial inquiry to post booking (inclusive of sales, contracting walk through, execution etc.)
• Updating Director of Events and senior management on the health of event business.
• Developing event feedback surveys.
• Obtaining permits as necessary.
• Handling post-event reports and mapping results back to departmental budgets.
• Help with offsite events as needed (e.g. wine festivals, multi-course dinners, private tastings)
• Work onsite catered events as needed (serving, pouring wine, bussing, set up and break down).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Project management experience.
• Hospitality and customer service aptitude.
• Quality leadership skills.
• Highly Organized.
• Multi-tasker.
• Exceptional time management.
• Proficiency in various event management platforms and standard administrative technology.
• Expert interpersonal skills.
• Risk management experience and knowledge of VA ABC laws.

Experience Requirements

• Must be available to work weekends and holidays as needed
• Able to lift 35 pounds
• Able to work in a team environment
• Must be over the age of 21

Tasting Room Associate

Our winery is looking for friendly, outgoing, and enthusiastic associates with a passion for wine, food and people. Candidates must enjoy speaking on, serving, and uplifting Virginia wine. Exceptional customer service skills, fantastic communication with both customers and other employees are also essential qualities. A desire to expand knowledge of Virginia wine and provide top notch service experiences for our members and guest are key to this position.

Compensation:

We offer a competitive hourly rate with the addition of restaurant equivalent gratuity.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Duties vary and will include:

  • Explain to guests the different style tasting/flight options offered in a knowledgeable and effective manner
  • Properly checking customer's ID's
  • Following steps of service that has been set forth by management
  • Offering wine paring suggestions that complement our menu items
  • Maintain specific side-work and ensure the total cleanliness and smooth operation
    • Clearing and resetting tables
    • Washing and polishing glassware and silverware
    • Stocking wine and retail items
  • Must be able to interact with guests in a friendly and professional manner to ensure complete satisfaction
  • Working effectively in a team
  • Learning new wines on a weekly basis
  • Assisting with special events when needed

  
  

  Qualifications:

  • At least 21 years old
  • Able to work a flexible schedule including holidays and weekends
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills
  • Holiday and weekend hours are required
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds and walk/stand for long periods of time
  • Comfortable learning our sales system using advanced technology, such as iPads, for ordering
  • Handle transactions with accuracy, including taking payments, giving change and packaging of merchandise

Please email resume and cover letter to jobs@earlymountain.com or drop off at the winery at 6109 Wolftown-Hood Road, Madison, VA 22727.

Line Cook

Summary of Position

Line cook / Pantry Chef must demonstrate ability to efficiently set up stations as needed, assist the Culinary team with daily tasks and make the cleanliness, sanitation and organization of the kitchen high priority. Line cooks are responsible for the final presentation of plating – accuracy and consistency is key. Cultivating a positive and creative working environment is essential to the foundation of our vision for our Culinary department’s growth.

This full time position offers an extensive benefits package as well as a competitive hourly rate.

Essential Functions:

• Learn and remain familiar with all menu items: including all components of each menu item and how they are prepared
• All Culinary team members are responsible for maintaining proper holding and heating temperatures, FIFO, organization of station & walk in space.
• Review prep list, check daily pars and maintain pars as necessary, and ensure all food items are dated and up to company standards.
• Know and comply with cooking methods, quality standards as well as rules, policies and procedures
• Keep a clean and sanitary work station, including all cooking equipment, tables, shelves and refrigeration equipment.
• Inspect equipment before and after use, making sure everything is clean and in proper working order.
• Prepare all menu items with acute attention to detail while balancing the quick upbeat energy of a fast-paced environment
• Follow all opening and closing checklists to ensure that kitchen is closed safely and properly.
• Maintain a positive and professional rapport with all coworkers and guests.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Chef.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-2 years experience, or at least 6 months experience in a similar capacity.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with all personnel
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs regularly, as well as bend, stoop and reach, as well as remain standing for as many as 12 hours.
• Follow all recipes & plating specifications as directed
• Maintain personal hygiene standards in accordance with Virginia State Health Standards for Food Service Employees

Working Environment:

• Interior and on occasion, exterior with exposure to weather conditions.
• Work will primarily take place in Early Mountain kitchens and throughout the entire property
• Group and solo work
• Practice and observe all safety procedures
• Interior of building, in all areas with exposure to extreme temperatures.
• Exterior of building with exposure to weather conditions.
• Exposure to various hazardous chemicals.

Please submit your resume via email to JOBS@EARLYMOUNTAIN.COM