Receptionist | Abeja Winery

About the role

Abeja Winery is seeking a professional, organized, and personable Receptionist to serve as the initial point of contact for guests, customers, vendors, and business partners. This position provides administrative support primarily through telephone and email communications for both Abeja Winery and The Kitchen at Abeja. The ideal candidate will communicate clearly, demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, and represent both businesses with warmth, professionalism, and discretion. In addition to managing incoming communications, the Receptionist will assist with administrative tasks, special projects, and other duties as assigned to support the needs of the business. Knowledge of wine, familiarity with the wine industry, or previous experience in a winery, hospitality, or restaurant environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answer and direct incoming telephone calls professionally and promptly
• Monitor and respond to general email inquiries for Abeja Winery and The Kitchen at Abeja
• Route inquiries to the appropriate department, manager, or team member
• Take accurate messages and ensure timely follow-up on outstanding communications
• Provide guests and customers with accurate information regarding general inquiries, winery experiences, restaurant services, events, and other offerings
• Maintain a courteous, welcoming, and professional tone in all written and verbal communications
• Assist with general administrative duties, data entry, document preparation, filing, and record maintenance
• Maintain organized communication records and follow established procedures for handling inquiries
• Support scheduling, coordination, and information distribution as needed
• Handle confidential business and guest information responsibly
• Assist with special projects, research, and administrative assignments as directed by management
• Provide support for winery events, restaurant initiatives, hospitality programs, and other operational projects when needed
• Collaborate with team members across departments to support effective communication and smooth daily operations
• Perform other duties as assigned that are reasonably related to the position and business needs

Qualifications

Required

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Professional telephone etiquette and customer service skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and follow through on assignments
• Basic computer proficiency, including email, word processing, and data entry
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and a professional approach to work
• Ability to maintain discretion when handling confidential information
• Must meet any lawful minimum-age requirements applicable to the position

Preferred

• Knowledge of wine, wine regions, wine terminology, or the wine industry
• Previous experience in a winery, tasting room, restaurant, hotel, or other hospitality environment
• Experience in reception, office administration, customer service, or a similar role
• Familiarity with business communication platforms, reservation systems, or customer relationship management software

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with occasional Saturdays during special events. This is a seasonal, non‑exempt position; the anticipated schedule and duration of employment will depend on operational needs. The first 90 calendar days serve as an introductory attendance and punctuality review period, during which reliability, adherence to the established schedule, communication regarding absences or tardiness, and compliance with attendance policies will be evaluated. Employees are expected to arrive on time, be prepared to work at the beginning of scheduled shifts, follow established call‑out procedures, and communicate scheduling concerns promptly. Successful completion of the 90‑day review period does not guarantee continued employment or a transition to a permanent position. The position may transition to full‑time employment if business needs, budget, and performance support such a change; a transition is not guaranteed.

Pay

Hourly rate: $20–$22 per hour. Classification: non‑exempt; eligible for overtime pay as required by applicable law.

Benefits

Eligibility for benefits, paid leave, and other compensation will be determined by applicable company policies and governing law. The employee will receive all applicable wages and legally required meal and rest breaks, paid sick leave, and other protections in accordance with Washington State law and applicable federal requirements.

Reporting structure

This position reports directly to the Hospitality Manager.

About the location

Abeja is a one‑of‑a‑kind destination for those seeking a truly special wine country experience. Located in Walla Walla on a serene 38‑acre estate of vineyards, lavender fields, and gardens, Abeja is a celebrated winery and distinctive Inn that creates a magical countryside oasis. Visitors experience exclusive world‑class Washington state wines, all crafted with care from the land, while staying in guest cottages that each share a different story about the rich history of the turn‑of‑the‑century farmstead. The Abeja experience is created by people devoted to a continued pursuit of what they do best and an endless drive to do even better for wine enthusiasts and guests of The Inn.