February 28, 2012

Tasting-room host Ken DeCamp's cool job

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Ken DeCamp's job is pouring wine for visitors at Brian Carter Cellars' tasting room in Woodinville. (Courtesy of Brian Carter Cellars)

What do you do? I try to entertain as well as educate our customers while introducing them to our wines. Brian Carter Cellars has a great group of European style blended wines. When they leave our [Woodinville] tasting room, I know they will have enjoyed the wines, but I want them to have had a memorable visit as well.

What's a typical day like? Open the registers, open and taste the wines to start. At times we have cases of wine brought over from the winery and those must be put into inventory. Most of the day is spent talking with customers, answering their wine questions and selling wine.

How does someone get a job like yours? They should have some knowledge of wines in general and must take a three-hour course to get a Class 12 mixologist permit from the state. Recently, wine pourers have also been required to have a state food handler’s permit — that online course takes about an hour.

What's the best part of your work? I like talking to the customers and finding out where they live -- we get many tourists! I have had visitors from around the world -- England, France, China, Mongolia, etc. I first try to get them talking about themselves, which most people like to do (unless they are in the witness-protection program), then we always find something in common. I have been a wine lover for many years and enjoy discussing wine with other wine lovers. It is more fun because I am pouring some great wine at Brian Carter Cellars.

What surprises people about your work? I suppose it is that I earn a living, albeit part time, by pouring great wines and telling people all about them. What more could I ask for? I work with some great people and meet many interesting people from around the world.

--NWjobs staff

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