Lead Host/Concierge (Tips Eligible)

Antioch, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $20.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Day Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Employee Discounts

Retirement Plan

Professional development opportunities

Sustainability-focused workplace

Job Description

Wente Family Estates is a renowned luxury winery and hospitality destination located in the Livermore Valley, California. Established in 1883, it holds the distinction of being California's oldest continuously operated family-owned winery. Over the decades, Wente Family Estates has built a reputation for its exquisite wines, exceptional guest experiences, and commitment to environmental and community sustainability. The winery offers a wide array of experiences, from wine tastings and tours to special events that highlight the heritage and passion behind every bottle produced. The estate itself is an embodiment of sophistication and elegance, blending historic charm with modern luxury to deliver a memorable visit to both wine connoisseurs and casual guests alike. Wente Family Estates operates with a strong commitment to their RISE values: Respect, Integrity, Sustainability, and Excellence, ensuring every team member reflects these principles in their roles and interactions.

The role of Lead Host/Concierge at Wente Family Estates is pivotal in orchestrating a superior and personalized guest experience. This position serves as the first point of contact for visitors, establishing the tone for their journey through the estate. The Lead Host/Concierge combines the refined presence of a luxury restaurant maitre d' with the attentive hospitality typical of a top-tier winery. Responsibilities include managing guest arrivals, overseeing reservation strategies using the TOCK system, and directing guest flow throughout the estate to maintain seamless service execution. This leadership role demands strong decision-making abilities, exceptional communication skills, and a strategic mindset to anticipate and address both guest and operational needs in a dynamic hospitality environment.

Furthermore, the Lead Host/Concierge collaborates closely with Tasting Room Leadership and other departments to ensure alignment in service delivery and business objectives. The position entails managing large party bookings, coordinating floor plans, and handling guest escalations with professionalism and care. A polished, guest-focused demeanor is essential, alongside a commitment to the winery's sustainability values. Physical stamina is required due to the nature of the work environment, which involves standing and walking for extended periods and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. Wente Family Estates offers an enriching work environment where hospitality professionals can thrive by contributing to an exceptional guest experience at a world-class winery destination.

Job Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed
Ability to work in a dynamic indoor/outdoor environment
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment
Strong collaboration with leadership and cross-functional teams
Commitment to upholding and elevating service standards across the estate

Job Qualifications

Proven experience in a host, concierge, or leadership role within hospitality, restaurant, or winery environments
Strong leadership presence with the ability to guide and support team members
Advanced organizational and time management skills
Experience working with reservation systems (TOCK preferred)
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to think strategically while executing tactically in real time
Professional, polished, and guest-focused demeanor

Job Duties

Set the standard for exceptional hospitality by modeling a warm, polished, and personalized guest welcome
Ensure all guests are greeted with professionalism and offered a welcome pour to begin their experience
Lead by example in creating a sense of arrival that reflects the luxury and heritage of the estate
Act as the primary point of escalation for guest concerns, resolving issues with confidence and care
Oversee daily reservation management within TOCK, ensuring accuracy, optimization, and alignment with business goals
Assign and adjust seating sections and floor plans to maximize guest experience and operational efficiency
Manage and review future reservations, identifying opportunities to optimize bookings, pacing, and capacity
Coordinate and support large party bookings and group experiences, ensuring proper setup, communication, and execution
Ensure guest notes, preferences, and special requests are captured and communicated effectively to the service team
Direct and manage guest flow across the estate to ensure seamless transitions between experiences
Partner with service teams to maintain proper pacing, table turns, and overall flow of the floor
Provide real-time direction to Concierge/Host team members to ensure consistency and efficiency
Monitor wait times and proactively adjust plans to maintain a high level of service
Partner closely with Tasting Room leadership to align on reservations, guest experience priorities, and business needs
Support outreach efforts related to reservations, special events, and guest engagement opportunities
Assist in managing VIP guests, member experiences, and high-touch interactions
Collaborate with marketing, events, and hospitality teams to ensure alignment on upcoming experiences and initiatives
Serve as a brand ambassador, confidently representing the story, heritage, and offerings of Wente Family Estates
Maintain a polished, professional presence reflective of a luxury hospitality environment
Ensure clear, consistent communication across all front-of-house teams