*This is a confidential search being conducted on behalf of an established winery portfolio. Company details will be shared with qualified candidates as the interview process progresses.*
Preferred: Long Island, NY (Metro New York Area)
Remote, with travel throughout New York, Long Island, and California wine regions as needed.
We are seeking an experienced wine and beverage alcohol industry professional to lead the continued growth of our portfolio across key markets. This Director-level role offers the opportunity to shape regional sales strategy, support business operations, strengthen industry partnerships, and contribute to the long-term success of our winery portfolio.
The ideal candidate combines a passion for wine with strong business acumen, relationship-building, sales, and market development expertise. This individual will serve as a key ambassador for our brands, helping expand distribution, strengthen on- and off-premise partnerships, support consumer engagement initiatives, and elevate brand awareness within the wine community.
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building meaningful industry relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and making a lasting impact within a respected and entrepreneurial winery portfolio.
The Director, Regional Wine Sales & Business Development will be responsible for growing brand presence, driving sales, developing strategic partnerships, and providing leadership for regional business operations throughout key markets, with an initial focus on New York and Long Island. The role will work closely with distributors, retailers, restaurants, hospitality partners, and consumers while representing the winery at events, tastings, trade shows, and industry functions.
The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of both the New York and California wine industries and be comfortable operating in a highly entrepreneurial environment where relationship development, market execution, business operations, and brand representation are equally important. This position also supports business planning, operational execution, and cross-functional initiatives that contribute to the organization's continued growth.
Lead the development and execution of market growth strategies to increase distribution, placements, and revenue.
Identify and secure new business opportunities across on-premise and off-premise accounts.
Build and maintain relationships with retailers, restaurants, distributors, hospitality groups, and key industry stakeholders.
Conduct regular market visits and account calls to drive sales performance and brand visibility.
Develop tailored sales presentations and programs aligned with customer objectives.
Track sales activity, account performance, and market opportunities.
Support the growth and expansion of membership and direct-to-consumer initiatives.
Provide operational oversight and support for key business initiatives as needed.
Partner with distributor sales teams to execute market initiatives and achieve growth objectives.
Conduct ride-alongs, trainings, and market work-withs to support distributor engagement.
Ensure effective execution of sales programs, promotional initiatives, and product launches.
Maintain strong communication with key accounts and distributor partners.
Serve as a brand ambassador for the winery portfolio.
Host wine tastings, wine dinners, consumer events, trade events, and educational programs.
Support marketing initiatives designed to increase brand awareness and consumer engagement.
Represent the winery at industry events, trade shows, and community functions.
Assist with content creation, storytelling, and customer engagement efforts when appropriate.
Monitor market trends, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities.
Provide recommendations on pricing, product positioning, and market expansion opportunities.
Maintain a strong understanding of regional wine trends and consumer preferences.
Share insights and feedback to support strategic business decisions.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and general oversight for team members and membership-related initiatives while fostering collaboration across business functions.
Support operational planning, customer engagement efforts, and cross-functional business objectives.
Assist with administrative responsibilities and special projects as needed.
Experience supporting business management, operations, strategic planning, and organizational growth initiatives.
Strong organizational, operational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
5+ years of wine industry experience in sales, business development, winery operations, distributor management, or related roles.
Strong knowledge of New York and California wine regions, varietals, producers, and market dynamics.
Existing relationships within the New York wine trade highly preferred.
Experience working with distributors, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and hospitality accounts.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain long-term customer relationships.
Strong presentation, communication, and storytelling skills.
Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and market development.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems.
Willingness and ability to travel as needed.
WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, CSW, or similar wine certification preferred.
Experience representing premium, luxury, or boutique wine brands.
Knowledge of direct-to-consumer sales, wine clubs, membership programs, and hospitality-driven wine experiences.
Experience working across multiple markets or regions.
$100,000–$120,000 base salary plus performance-based incentive opportunity.
Additional compensation details will be discussed during the interview process.
This role offers the opportunity to play a key leadership role in the growth of a respected winery portfolio while building strong relationships across the wine industry. The position provides a unique blend of sales, business development, business operations, brand representation, and strategic market engagement, making it ideal for a wine professional who enjoys both relationship-building and market execution in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
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