Hiring season has begun

It’s starting earlier and earlier each year.

Wineries, bistros, restaurants, bars, and many other businesses in — or related to — hospitality are already actively recruiting staff for the upcoming season, some even hosting bona fide job fairs to seek out the best candidates.

So, it’s time for my annual look at the statement, “I want to work in a wine shop.”

I’ve been behind the tasting bar for several wineries and at a handful of events, sometimes when a colleague simply needs an extra body to handle traffic.

It’s a great gig that often comes with fringe benefits:

• staff discounts
• going to events
• flexible hours

The best part for me, though, is the interaction with people who are new to B.C. wine, or wine in general, and the opportunity to share my own enthusiasm for the industry.

At the end of a busy day in a tasting room, when you’ve probably answered the same question dozens of times, it’s important to remember that while it may not be your first pour of the day, it may be the first Okanagan winery your guest has ever set foot in.

There is a strong demand for wine shop associates, winery hospitality managers, wine club co-ordinators and others who look after the customer experience after the wine has gone into the bottle.

As the industry matures, these gigs have the potential to morph into year-round roles.

If you’re passionate about wine and wine tourism, think about putting your name forward.

But first consider these tips.

Your application should go to the top of the pile if you have taken a WSET class or two. This is the Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and having the Level 1 certificate, usually a one-day class, will give you some basics.

Getting serious about winery work? Go for Level 2 and 3.

While you’re at it, get your Serving It Right certificate. It’s easy to do online, and teaches you the basics of serving alcohol in B.C. It’s a requirement for many reasons, and believe it or not, it comes in handy for other purposes, such as when you need a special occasion licence to pour booze at a public event.

Have a look at a few classes at Okanagan College, particularly the Wine Sales Certificate program, or a few continuing studies sessions on food and wine pairing, wines of the world, as well as beer and spirits.

Well-rounded knowledge will help you direct guests to restaurants, nearby libations, or choose a wine to pair with dinner.

Then, get to know the wines of the establishment where you’d like to work. You’re preparing for a job interview.

Do your homework. How many wines do they make? What do they not produce? Are the grapes all grown on the property or other parts of the valley?

Never forget, this is ultimately a sales job. You’re not just selling the wine, but the culinary experience of the Okanagan.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.