Nilu Afshar
Santa Rosa,CA
Summary
Dynamic leader and innovator with a proven track record, enhancing customer experiences and fostering strategic partnerships. Excelled in team leadership and strategic thinking.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
California Tastings LLC
03.2018 - Current
- Created curriculum for 2 Hour Wine Tasting 101 class for guests visiting Wine Country.
- Guided guests with Experiences such as Wine Blending for the Day or Mixology parties.
- Curated daily Wine Tasting Itineraries.
- Taught AVA and Terroir information utilizing maps and soils of the area.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
- Led the strategic planning process to define business goals and ensure alignment across all departments.
Tasting Room Manager
In Good Taste Winery
06.2023 - 10.2023
- Opened a New Tasting Room.
- Created pricing structure for each wine, both by glass and by bottle.
- Collaborated with winemakers to develop unique tasting experiences that showcased the winery''s signature offerings while appealing to a wide range of visitor preferences.
- Communicated regularly with upper management regarding tasting room performance, customer feedback, and opportunities for improvement.
- Evaluated sales data to identify trends, opportunities for growth, and areas requiring improvement in the tasting room product mix or pricing strategies.
- Developed strong relationships with customers, resulting in repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Tasting Room Manager
Seamus Winery
07.2020 - 05.2023
- Marketed the Brand to reach a $30K/month in sales from $2K/month
- Provided excellent customer service with prompt attention to inquiries or concerns from both in-person guests and online correspondences.
- Established a professional atmosphere that encouraged team collaboration while fostering individual growth among staff members.
- Increased tasting room sales through effective upselling techniques and promoting wine club memberships.
Event Coordinator
La Rochelle Winery
06.2019 - 06.2020
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless event execution and positive outcomes.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
Lead Wine Consultant
En Garde Winery
02.2018 - 02.2019
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing personalized wine recommendations based on individual tastes and preferences.
- Implemented new promotional strategies, dramatically increasing business.
- Achieved top-salesperson status consistently by establishing rapport with clientele and presenting knowledgeable recommendations tailored to clients'' needs.
Wine Educator
Boisset Family Estates
08.2016 - 07.2018
- Conducted Tours for groups of 30 guests on a daily basis.
- Provided ongoing support to clients as their personal wine consultant, nurturing long-term relationships.
- Assisted retail establishments in curating their wine selections based on consumer demographics and preferences.
- Enhanced customer wine knowledge by conducting informative and engaging wine tastings.
Education
Certificate - Certified Specialist of Sake
The Sake Education Council
Japan 11.2023
Level 2 - Certified Sommelier
The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas
London, GBR03.2023
Certificate - Sherry Specialist
Wine Scholar Guild
London, GBR04.2022
Certificate - French Wine Scholar
Wine Scholar Guild
London, GBR10.2021
Certificate - WSET 2
Wine And Spirits Trust
London, GBR01.2021
Level 1 - Certified Beer Server
The Cicerone Certification Program
01.2021
Certificate - Certified Specialist of Wine
The Society of Wine Educators
Washington, DC12.2020
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurial and Innovative
Languages
Persian
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary
Turkish
Elementary
German
Elementary
www.californiatastings.com
California Tastings is a family run business in Sonoma County that brings you Experiences. Whether you are a first timer visiting Sonoma County or Napa Valley and want a refresher Wine class that will feel you confident to taste or want to try something different. We are here to make that happen. I personally am a Sommelier and I love teaching and creating Experiences that are unique and custom. We also are your guide into the area which is really great since we can curate the perfect trip for our guests.
Timeline
Tasting Room Manager
In Good Taste Winery
06.2023 - 10.2023
Tasting Room Manager
Seamus Winery
07.2020 - 05.2023
Event Coordinator
La Rochelle Winery
06.2019 - 06.2020
Founder
California Tastings LLC
03.2018 - Current
Lead Wine Consultant
En Garde Winery
02.2018 - 02.2019
Wine Educator
Boisset Family Estates
08.2016 - 07.2018
Certificate - Certified Specialist of Sake
The Sake Education Council
Level 2 - Certified Sommelier
The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas
Certificate - Sherry Specialist
Wine Scholar Guild
Certificate - French Wine Scholar
Wine Scholar Guild
Certificate - WSET 2
Wine And Spirits Trust
Level 1 - Certified Beer Server
The Cicerone Certification Program
Certificate - Certified Specialist of Wine
The Society of Wine Educators
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