Wine Specialist

Wine Specialist Account Advisor - Job Description

Position Summary

The Wine Specialist Account Advisor is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of on-premise and off-premise accounts with a dedicated focus on wine. This role demands deep wine expertise, credible category authority, and the ability to serve as a trusted advisor to buyers, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and retail wine buyers across assigned accounts. The Wine Specialist elevates Freedom’s wine portfolio presence through education-led selling, strategic placement, and best-in-class account relationships.

This role reports to the Sales Director and serves as the primary wine authority within Freedom’s frontline sales team. The Wine Specialist is expected to set a high bar for product knowledge, account service, and portfolio execution—representing Freedom Distributing as a true wine partner to the trade.

Key Responsibilities

Account Management & Sales Execution

• Manage a defined territory and assigned wine-focused account list.
• Maintain regular call frequency and disciplined route planning.
• Present, sell, and execute approved wine portfolios and supplier priorities.
• Secure placements, by-the-glass features, wine list inclusions, displays, and retail shelf sets.
• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with buyers, sommeliers, and wine directors.
• Lead wine-specific account conversations with authority, confidence, and category expertise.

Wine Education & Portfolio Expertise

• Serve as the in-house wine education resource for accounts and internal sales team members.
• Conduct formal and informal wine training sessions, tastings, and pairing presentations for accounts.
• Communicate wine region, varietal, producer, vintage, and style information with accuracy and fluency.
• Stay current on wine trends, emerging regions, and consumer preference shifts.
• Support the onboarding of new wine suppliers by leading knowledge transfer and account introductions.

Order Management & Coordination

• Write accurate orders in alignment with account needs, inventory levels, and delivery schedules.
• Coordinate closely with Operations to ensure timely and accurate deliveries.
• Communicate out-of-stocks, vintage transitions, and allocation constraints proactively.
• Follow company procedures for credits, breakage, and returns.

Portfolio & Brand Execution

• Ensure wine products are properly displayed, rotated, and merchandised across off-premise accounts.
• Execute supplier programs, vintage promotions, wine events, and sales initiatives.
• Support wine list development and menu engineering conversations with on-premise buyers.
• Monitor competitor wine activity and market trends within assigned territory.

Performance & Reporting

• Track individual wine sales performance against goals and targets.
• Maintain accurate CRM or sales system data as required.
• Provide feedback to the Sales Director on account opportunities, challenges, and competitive insights.
• Support forecasting and sales planning for seasonal wine programs and allocations.

Professional Standards & Compliance

• Conduct business in compliance with all federal, state (Idaho), and local alcohol distribution regulations.
• Maintain pricing integrity and adherence to company policies.
• Represent Freedom Beverage with professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Maintain safe driving practices and proper conduct while in the field.

Qualifications

Wine Credentials — Required

• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (minimum required); WSET Level 3 Award in Wines strongly preferred. Candidates without WSET Level 2 at time of hire must obtain it within 12 months.
• Demonstrated fluency in wine regions, varietals, winemaking techniques, and vintage variation is required at the time of hire regardless of formal credential status.

Wine Credentials — Preferred

• Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) Introductory or Certified Sommelier credential.
• Advanced coursework or certifications from WSET, CMS, GuildSomm, or comparable accredited institutions.

Experience & Knowledge

• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on wine experience in sales, hospitality, retail, or a combination.
• Demonstrated fluency across major wine regions including France, Italy, Spain, USA, Germany, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Previous experience selling wine to on-premise accounts (restaurants, bars, hotels) and/or off-premise retailers strongly preferred.
• Existing knowledge of the Boise market and relationships within the Idaho wine trade community are a huge plus.

Professional Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a consultative sales approach.
• Confident presenter and educator; comfortable leading tastings and training sessions in front of trade audiences.
• Self-motivated with strong time-management and organizational abilities.
• Comfortable working independently in a field-based role.
• Ability to articulate wine quality, style, and value proposition across multiple price tiers.

Work Requirements

• Regular fieldwork with travel throughout assigned territory.
• Flexible schedule including evenings and occasional weekends (wine events, dinners, tastings).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to lift and transport cases of wine as needed.

Success Measures

• Wine sales growth within assigned territory
• Account retention and satisfaction among wine-buying customers
• Depth and quality of wine placements (BTG, wine lists, shelf sets, features)
• Execution of supplier wine programs and vintage launches
• Pricing compliance and margin protection
• Consistent route discipline and reporting accuracy
• Demonstrated growth in wine credentials and ongoing professional development

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person