Premium Italian Wine Sales - San Francisco

Job Overview

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Compensation

Salary
Range $41,800.00 - $67,200.00
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Benefits

competitive commission structure
Protected accounts
Sample support
Sales tools provided
Unlimited earning potential
Opportunity for future leadership
Direct access to ownership

Job Description

Lewis Imports is a family-owned wine importer and distributor specializing in premium Italian wines. Established with a dedication to quality, heritage, and value, Lewis Imports works directly with renowned wineries throughout Italy, creating a unique and authentic portfolio of wines for discerning customers. The company represents a selection of outstanding producers, including Lungarotti, Fontanavecchia, Adriano Marco e Vittorio, Menegotti, Ascheri, and Randi. Lewis Imports has earned a reputation for its commitment to the Italian wine culture, building strong relationships with wineries and customers alike. Their focus on authentic, family-owned wineries ensures that every bottle represents the best of Italy's rich winemaking traditions.

With business rapidly expanding across California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona, Lewis Imports offers a dynamic opportunity for motivated sales professionals to join their team. The company seeks to grow its presence in the San Francisco and Bay Area markets by offering a carefully curated portfolio supported by strong pricing strategies, supplier involvement, and genuine growth potential. This expansion creates a fertile environment for entrepreneurial sales representatives who are passionate about Italian wine and dedicated to building long-lasting relationships within the restaurant, retail, and hospitality industries.

The role of the Independent Wine Sales Representative at Lewis Imports is a unique and rewarding opportunity. As a 1099 independent contractor, the representative is responsible for developing and growing sales throughout the San Francisco and Bay Area market by focusing on building meaningful relationships rather than simply taking orders. This position requires an entrepreneurial spirit, proactive attitude, and deep knowledge of the wine trade, along with a passion for Italian wine and food culture.

Successful candidates will leverage existing relationships within the San Francisco wine trade and possess experience in wine sales, distribution, hospitality, or restaurant beverage programs. Key responsibilities include developing new accounts in restaurants, retail, and hospitality, conducting tastings and presentations for buyers and beverage directors, securing wine list placements and retail displays, and actively participating in supplier visits, trade events, and educational tastings. The role emphasizes personal initiative, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage a territory independently with reliable transportation.

Compensation for this role consists of a competitive 10 percent commission structure with unlimited earning potential, supported by sample products and sales tools. The accounts are protected to encourage the development of long-term relationships, and there is a clear opportunity for future leadership and territorial growth. Lewis Imports provides direct access to company ownership and decision-makers, fostering an environment free of corporate bureaucracy. Representatives benefit from a boutique portfolio that stands out in the marketplace, offering real differentiation through products that resonate with Italian wine enthusiasts.

In summary, Lewis Imports provides a compelling employment opportunity for experienced wine sales professionals seeking to represent a high-quality Italian portfolio with substantial growth opportunities. The company's dedication to authentic, family-owned wineries combined with its expanding market presence makes this an exciting position for motivated individuals looking to build a rewarding career in wine sales within the vibrant and competitive San Francisco Bay Area market.

Job Requirements

  • Experience in wine sales, distribution, hospitality, or restaurant beverage programs
  • Existing relationships in the San Francisco wine trade
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Passion for Italian wine and food culture
  • Reliable transportation
  • Ability to work independently
  • Entrepreneurial mindset

Job Qualifications

  • Experience in wine sales, distribution, hospitality, or restaurant beverage programs
  • Existing relationships within the San Francisco wine trade
  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • Passion for Italian wine and food culture
  • Ability to work independently as a self-starter
  • Reliable transportation
  • Excellent presentation skills

Job Duties

  • Develop new restaurant, retail, and hospitality accounts throughout San Francisco
  • Conduct tastings and presentations with buyers and beverage directors
  • Secure by-the-glass placements, wine list placements, and retail displays
  • Participate in supplier visits, trade events, and educational tastings
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key industry stakeholders
  • Manage territory and sales pipeline independently
  • Provide ongoing market feedback to company ownership

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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