seasonal associate

equipment operator

backroom associate

shift leader

guest service agent

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

The company has been in a decline for several years, however in the last year the company has become unbearable to work for. Increased workload due to layoffs, budget cuts, and not enough people on the team; salary is way below the market average for the amount of work that is demanded. Recent changes in management allowed for inexperienced employees to manage individuals, and teams, creating a toxic work environment. There is little room for growth, no room for salary increases, and no bonuses since the company was part of Altria. All benefits were stripped when SMWE was sold, healthcare because too expensive, and when trying to speak up to voice concerns we were met with zero support or solutions.
I have never seen a group of individuals destroy what was once an admired company in the industry quite like the executive team at SMWE has. Very sad as this was once a “Best in Class” wine supplier. 

SMWE does provide opportunities of growth and role advancements. However, the compensation does not correlate with the increased workload, especially due to the recent 5% lay off. The base pay is well below the market rate for the area, and I found it to be non-negotiable numerous times I've asked for a raise. The benefits don't make up the pay difference, as the health insurance offered has only one plan and it has an extremely high deductible as opposed to having an option for one with a co-pay. For jobs that can be done remotely, they still require to come into the office. The workplace culture is tough as not many people have your back and it feels like misinformation is constantly being provided. Direct supervisors are often unreachable.

When I tell you that employees are what either make or break a company, it's the truth.  Ste. Michelle has some of the most loyal, caring and truly passionate employees.  However, that loyalty and passion isn't necessarily rewarded.  There are frequent organizational restructures that affect the individuals that  do the work, creating a 'waiting for the other shoe to drop' feeling.  Middle management tends to be slightly overloaded.  Overall, it's a good company to work for and with the recent change in ownership, I'm hopeful that Ste. Michelle Wine Estates will once again move to the top of their industry.

I worked with Ste Michelle Wine Estates/Columbia Crest for 7 years.  This is truly an amazing company to work with.  Everyone is like family there with majority of their employees being related family or being close like family due to long employment with the company.  I loved being apart of this very close team of fulfillment planners.  The work load for myself was very heavy and fast paced. I enjoyed working with co-workers, sales force and distributors.  This was the best position I have had in my career.  The only reason I choose to leave this company is due to the travel time and having small children.

SWME was a great place to work when I was there (pre-pandemic). Beautiful grounds, fun industry and smart people who are passionate about wine. I loved the ability to work across multiple brands in the portfolio, each with its own personality and diverse target audiences. I've heard from friends that are still there that the culture is much different now after being purchased by a private equity firm. There have been a few rounds of layoffs and they are selling off their brands one by one.  

Ste. Michelle has a rich history and great products. Benefits are decent. Management is very top-down and co-workers are not collaborative. They run very lean and people are doing multiple jobs and struggle to find time for all of the initiatives. 

Very male dominant, needs more diversity in leadership.

While Ste. Michelle was a decent place to work while I attended The University of Washington Business School, it is not where I want to make a career. I have been loyal to this company for over7 years but it is now time to put my schooling into use. I stayed as long as I did to be vested and acquire a pension. Now is my time to apply my knowledge from UW and put it to use.

1. Meeting with distributors or working with my team or key customers.
2. I learned a tremendous amount about Pacific Northwest wines.
3. We have good management.
4. A very positive work culture.
5 . The most difficult part of the job is goal attainment, the goals are typically 8 =10% increase.
6. The wine portfolio is incredible, and working with great hardworking professionals.

I loved working for this company and the people I worked for. The management was amazing and it was a fun environment to work in. But working 36-38 hours a week but not being able to work 40 and be eligible for full-time benefits was not working. The wage they pay, you are not able to live off of if you're a single person living in the area of this company.

Pay $ 13. hr for all summer workers. 

 The only benefit was you do get to know wines and a discount on wines .  Really hard job physically  and too busy to actually take  the break or 30 mins. for lunch some days also. After busting your butt all summer long there are a few  jobs to stay on , as temp. also , no benefits, and $13 /Hr. !!

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Seasonal associate 16 salaries reported	$19.96 per hour
Equipment operator 3 salaries reported	$18.78 per hour
Backroom associate 7 salaries reported	$19.39 per hour
Shift leader 11 salaries reported	$24.54 per hour
Guest service agent 10 salaries reported	$20.85 per hour

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