Sales Representative - Northern California

Harv 81 US•Benicia, CA

About The Position

Harv 81 Group is seeking a motivated, relationship-driven Sales Representative to support its Tonnellerie O and Creative Oak businesses, primarily by expanding Creative Oak's presence in the U.S. wine industry in Northern California. This hands-on, customer-facing role focuses on developing new business and growing existing customer relationships by visiting wineries, introducing products, coordinating samples and trials, and converting successful evaluations into long-term business. The primary responsibility is generating new Creative Oak business, while also supporting the broader Tonnellerie O portfolio and identifying cross-selling opportunities. Success is measured by sales activity and commercial results, including prospecting and customer visits, samples and trials initiated, evaluations completed, conversion to first orders, new customers, retention, revenue and gross margin growth, and cross-selling. Performance targets will be established based on territory potential, experience, and business objectives. The representative will receive sales strategy, territory development, field coaching, product and technical training, marketing materials, CRM training, and sales operations support. The role is intended to develop future sales talent at Harv 81. As the representative builds product knowledge, customer relationships, and a successful territory, opportunities may arise to take on greater account responsibility and become more independent. The position involves regular travel throughout the territory, which may account for 50–75% of the workweek, with occasional weekend work and overnight stays.

Requirements

Associate degree in Viticulture & Enology, Winery Technology, Wine Business, Business, Marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in the wine industry, hospitality, or sales.
Strong interest in the wine industry, winemaking, and sales.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Self-motivated and organized, with the ability to work independently in the field.
Ability to manage multiple customer opportunities and follow through on commitments.
Willingness to learn technical product information and communicate it effectively.
Comfort using CRM systems and basic Microsoft Office applications.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly throughout the assigned territory.
Ability to meet the physical demands described, including regular travel and driving, extended periods of standing and walking, prolonged sitting, and occasional lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 40–50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a related field.
Wine education or certifications, such as WSET Level 2 or higher or Certified Specialist of Wine.
1–3 years of sales, winery, hospitality, cellar, or wine industry experience.
Familiarity with winemaking processes, oak barrels, oak alternatives, or cellar operations.
Existing relationships within the wine industry.
Experience conducting product demonstrations, tastings, or customer trials.

Responsibilities

Identify and pursue new Creative Oak business opportunities throughout the assigned territory.
Prospect wineries, winemakers, and production teams to introduce Creative Oak products and solutions.
Schedule and conduct customer visits, product introductions, and follow-up meetings.
Develop relationships with winemakers, cellar teams, purchasing managers, and winery ownership.
Work with existing Tonnellerie O and Harv 81 sales representatives to identify cross-selling opportunities.
Build and maintain a pipeline of qualified opportunities and convert prospects into purchasing customers.
Introduce Creative Oak products using customer sample kits and product demonstrations.
Coordinate customized winery trials with the Creative Oak technical team.
Understand winemakers' wine styles, desired results, and current oak programs.
Schedule follow-up tastings and evaluations to review trial results.
Track samples, trials, customer feedback, and next steps in CRM.
Work with technical specialists to recommend suitable products and commercial applications.
Convert successful trials into first orders and develop repeat business.
Help organize and participate in winemaker tastings, educational workshops, regional sales events, targeted winery events, trade shows, networking events, and customer functions.
Support regional Creative Oak roadshows and coordinated winery visits, and follow up with event attendees to develop qualified sales opportunities.
Maintain consistent communication with existing and prospective customers and provide timely follow-up on samples, quotations, trials, and open opportunities.
Partner with Customer Service, Operations, and the technical team to ensure a positive customer experience.
Identify opportunities to expand Creative Oak usage within existing winery accounts and support customer retention and repeat purchasing.
Maintain accurate customer information, sales activities, and opportunities in CRM.
Track samples distributed, trials initiated, tastings completed, and orders generated.
Provide regular updates on pipeline activity, customer feedback, competitive information, and market opportunities.
Work toward established sales activity, revenue, and growth targets.
Participate in regular sales meetings, product training, and coaching sessions.
Comply with applicable Harv 81 Group Food Safety and MRP rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and perform other assigned duties.