Sommelier

Summary of Position:

We are seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Sommelier to join our team in delivering exceptional dining experiences, especially regarding wine and beverage service. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of wines and beverages along with excellent customer service skills. As a Sommelier, you will assist in curating and maintaining our wine and beverage lists, providing recommendations to guests, and enhancing their overall dining experience through your expertise. You will act as the face of the beverage program - particularly the wine program - and be responsible for touching all tables throughout your shift. You will be responsible for maintaining good organization of the wine and beverage program, ensure correct inventory pars and that standards are being enforced. Weekly educational seminars for the employees will be a main focus of the Sommelier to help grow beverage service and knowledge - primarily focusing on wine - and increase sales across the board.

Duties & Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

Wine Service & Sales:

• Guide guests in selecting wines that complement their meals.
• Present and serve wine following proper etiquette and techniques.
• Upsell premium selections to maximize revenue and guest satisfaction.
• Provide personalized wine recommendations to guests based on their preferences and meal choices.
• Assist with serving duties during busy periods, ensuring a seamless dining experience for guests.
• Engage in upselling techniques to enhance sales while providing exceptional customer service.

Wine Program Management:

• Maintain an updated wine list and collaborate with the Beverage Director.
• Ensure proper storage, inventory, and rotation of wines.
• Curate and maintain an extensive wine list that complements our menu offerings.
• Monitor inventory levels of wines and beverages, assist in placing orders with the management team as necessary to maintain stock.
• Assist with inventory on a monthly basis.

Guest Engagement & Education:

• Provide detailed descriptions of wines, including tasting notes and origins.
• Conduct tableside tastings and educate guests on wine pairings.
• Build relationships with regular patrons to enhance loyalty and repeat business.

Team Collaboration & Training:

• Train service staff on wine knowledge and pairing techniques.
• Support the front-of-house team in delivering a seamless dining experience.
• Conduct wine tastings and educational sessions for staff and customers to enhance their knowledge of wines under the guidance of the Beverage Director.
• Collaborate with the culinary team on menu planning to ensure harmonious pairings of food and wine.

Skill Set:

• Passionate about wine (some formal wine training required).
• Strong background in restaurant operations with previous experience in fine dining establishments.
• Knowledgeable in culinary practices, food handling, meal preparation, and food safety standards.
• Excellent customer service skills with a focus on creating memorable guest experiences.
• Proven sales abilities with experience in upselling products effectively.
• Familiarity with banquet operations is a plus.
• Customer service skills – working with customers is a key part of a Sommelier position; the ability to remain professional at all times is vital to this role
• Numerical abilities – Sommeliers will have administrative duties; a good grasp of financial literacy is required to carry out tasks such as budgeting and forecasting
• Organization – Sommeliers need to be organized to keep track of inventory, ordering, deliveries, scheduling, and the general workings of the restaurant

Qualifications:

• WSET Level 2/CMS certified or similar wine qualifications
• Prior experience in fine dining and customer service
• Excellent phone skills and communication skills
• Must be a team player
• High school diploma or GED equivalent required

Job Type: Full-time

Physical Demands:

This position is very active and requires standing for long periods of time. The position will require occasional lifting of products and cases weighing up to 50 pounds.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work:

This position regularly requires long hours and a schedule that fluctuates based on business needs.