Retail Wine Specialist

Description

Acker, the oldest and most respected wine shop in America, is hiring a full-time Retail Wine Specialist, based at our retail wine store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, to help customers select wine and spirits in the Acker store. Working alongside Acker’s fine wine specialists and auction team, this role offers direct exposure to rare and allocated bottles and a clientele of serious collectors, enthusiasts, and investors. This role also ensures the store is appropriately stocked with merchandise, performs transactions such as sales and returns, and maintains and continually grows personal knowledge of wine industry trends. This position is ideal for a wine enthusiast looking to combine a sales background with deep, ongoing wine expertise.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Wine Knowledge

• Maintain and continually deepen personal knowledge of wine regions, producers, varietals, and vintages—as well as broader industry trends—to provide clients with expert, credible recommendations.

• Build rapport through informed, knowledgeable conversation and honest recommendations, drawing on strong personal wine knowledge to guide customers toward bottles that fit their taste and budget.

• Translate wine knowledge into compelling shelf talkers and product descriptions that help customers make confident choices.

• Gain firsthand exposure to rare and allocated bottles, staff tastings, and inventory passing through Acker’s auctions and retail store.

Sales & Customer Service

• Provide exceptional service to customers in-store and over the phone.

• Ring up sales and arrange for delivery or pick-up of customer orders as needed.

• Support and help host special events and in-store tastings, offering guests informed recommendations.

• Build long-term customer relationships, including inviting guests to join the wine club.

• Support Fine and Rare and Business Development managers and team members.

• Assist in setting up merchandise displays on the sales floor.

• Other related duties as assigned from time to time.

Compensation: $22.00–$25.00 per hour, DOE

Requirements

Wine Knowledge

• WSET Level 2 or higher (or equivalent formal wine education) strongly preferred; Sommelier certification a plus.

• Demonstrated, specific knowledge of major wine regions, appellations, producers, and vintages—able to speak confidently across both Old World and New World styles.

• Genuine appreciation of and passion for the Wine & Spirits industry.

Sales & Experience

• 1–3 years of wine sales experience required; candidates with equivalent formal wine education or certification in lieu of sales tenure are also encouraged to apply.

• Experience with Microsoft based application, including Word, Excel, Outlook.

• Customer Service focused with the ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers.

• High-energy, team player with excellent communication skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays.

As part of the interview process, candidates may be asked to complete a brief wine tasting or knowledge conversation.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.

• Regularly lifts and moves cases of wine and spirits, up to fifty (50) pounds.

ABOUT ACKER

Established in 1820, Acker is America’s oldest and most respected wine merchant and the world’s leading fine wine auction house. Now in its third century, Acker stands as the global destination for collectors, enthusiasts, and investors seeking the finest wines and spirits, with an unparalleled reputation for integrity, expertise, and exceptional service.

From its origins as a family-owned shop in New York City, Acker has grown into a worldwide network with offices in Hong Kong and London, a presence in more than twenty cities across the globe, and further expansion on the horizon. The company hosts live and online auctions year-round, giving clients continuous access to the most coveted bottles from the world’s greatest cellars.

Beyond auctions, Acker offers a full suite of fine wine services including retail sourcing, cellar management and appraisals, investment advisement, bespoke events and tastings, wine excursions, and a world-class wine club, creating a true one-stop destination for the global fine wine community.

A pioneer in international expansion, Acker was the first wine auction house to hold a sale in Asia in 2008, just ten years after its inaugural auction in New York. Today, Acker holds live auctions in the United States, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and Singapore. Having surpassed US $2 billion in lifetime auction sales, Acker continues to set world records while remaining true to the same principles that have defined it since 1820: expertise, authenticity, and an enduring passion for the world’s greatest wines.

WHAT ACKER OFFERS

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Company-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance

• 401(k) program with discretionary employer contribution

• Generous paid time off and a robust paid holiday schedule

• Exclusive employee wine discounts, plus additional perks

The Acker Group of Companies are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodation for disability is provided to applicants and employees in accordance with applicable law.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.