Crush It: How Winery Managers Can Lead Like Legends and Inspire Rockstar Staff

Running a winery isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about who’s behind the scenes making it all happen. At the heart of a winery is its people: a brand’s living, breathing identity. And if you want to build something worth sipping and have it succeed, you need to lead in a way that sparks confidence, loyalty, and a whole lot of hustle.

Let’s be real: winery salaries aren’t always glamorous. The wine industry is fueled by passion, not paychecks. But that’s exactly why leadership matters more than ever. People will stay, show up, and go the extra mile—not for a few extra bucks, but for a mission they believe in and a manager they trust.

“When people are financially invested, they want a return. When they are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.”— Simon Sinek, Bestselling Author & Founder of The Optimism Company

So if you want a winery family (blood relations or not) that’s motivated, mission-aligned, and proud to wear logo and pour your wine, it’s time to upgrade your leadership game.

1. Start with the Why—Then Make It Loud

People don’t show up for clock-ins—they show up for purpose. Make sure your team knows why they’re doing what they do, and how they’re part of something bigger than punchdowns and pours.

Best In Show Move: Host monthly “big picture” huddles where you share goals, guest stories, and the future you’re building together.

2. Recognition Is Your Leadership Superpower

Praise costs nothing—but it pays big. Especially when bonuses aren’t always in the budget. Recognition tells your team: you matter, and your work matters.

“Recognition is the greatest motivator.”— Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia & Chairman of VaynerX

Power Move: Create a weekly shoutout ritual—at team meetings, on a “win wall,” or make it even more public on your social media channels.

3. Ditch the Boss Energy—Lead Like a Human

People want real leadership, not hierarchy. Be approachable, be honest, and don’t just lead with authority—lead with authenticity. You build loyalty when you show that you actually care.

Best In Show Move: Start one-on-one check-ins with “What’s on your mind?” instead of a task list or sales goals.

4. Invest in Growth, Not Just Labor

One way to make up for smaller paychecks? Bigger opportunities. Show your staff you believe in their future. Offer ways to learn, grow, and skill up—inside or outside their current role.

“People want to work on things that matter. Give them that.”— Melanie Perkins, Co-Founder & CEO of Canva

Best In Show Move: Offer a stipend for wine certifications, cross-train across departments, or invite team members to shadow leadership roles.

5. Clarity + Consistency = Trust

Trust isn’t just about being nice—it’s about being predictable. Be clear about expectations, fair with policies, and consistent with feedback. That’s how you create a stable culture people want to stay in.

Best In Show Move: Build a living team playbook that outlines roles, values, and expectations—and let staff help shape it.

6. Give Them Something to Believe In

People stay where they feel proud to belong. Your mission, your values, your vision—make them real, visible, and actionable. Let your team be ambassadors, not just employees.

Best In Show Move: Invite team members to contribute to your social content, club communications, or event ideas. Let their voice become part of the brand.

7. Model the Grit You Want to See

The best way to earn respect? Show up when it’s hard. Whether it’s bottling days, sold-out weekends, or during club shipment crunch time—get in the trenches. Leadership by example builds culture by default.

Best In Show Move: Once a month, jump into the tasting room or cellar. No clipboard, no micromanaging—just side-by-side effort.

Good to the Last Sip

Wine may be made from grapes, but great wineries are built on people. And leadership? That’s the fermentation vessel for loyalty, pride, and next-level hustle—even in an industry where the pay isn’t always top shelf.

Lead with clarity, purpose, and heart—and your team will show up for more than just a shift. They’ll show up for you.