Sommelier

Roles and responsibilities

Oversee the purchasing, storage, and rotation of wine inventory, maintaining optimal conditions for aging and serving.
Provide personalized recommendations and guidance to guests on wine selection, ensuring an exceptional and memorable dining experience
Attend regular wine tastings and educational sessions for colleagues and to enhance your understanding of wine.
Collaborate with the culinary team to develop and refine wine pairings for seasonal menus and special events.
Wine Selection and Management

Curate Wine List: Select and maintain the restaurant’s wine list, ensuring it is diverse, up-to-date, and aligned with the overall dining experience. This includes considering various factors such as wine quality, price points, and food pairings.
Source Wines: Work with wine distributors, vineyards, and suppliers to acquire wines, ensuring quality and pricing are in line with the establishment’s standards and customer expectations.
Stock Management: Oversee the storage of wine, ensuring that it is kept in optimal conditions, whether in a cellar, wine fridge, or on the premises. Proper inventory control and regular stock checks are vital.
Monitor Wine Cellar: Organize and manage the wine cellar, keeping track of wine inventory, ensuring it is stored at the correct temperature, and making sure wines are rotated to prevent spoilage.
Wine Pairing and Recommendations

Food and Wine Pairing: Recommend wines that complement the dishes on the menu, taking into account the flavors, textures, and preparation methods of the food. A Sommelier’s expertise in pairing enhances the guest’s overall dining experience.
Personalized Recommendations: Interact with guests to understand their preferences and offer tailored wine recommendations. This includes suggesting wines based on taste profiles, budget, and special requests.
Tasting Notes: Provide detailed information about the wines being served, including origin, production method, flavor profile, and suggested pairings.
Guest Education and Experience

Educate Guests: Share knowledge of wines with customers, helping them to develop an appreciation for different varieties, regions, and production techniques. This may involve offering tastings, explaining wine regions, or discussing the history behind specific wines.
Wine Tastings: Organize and lead wine-tasting events for guests or corporate clients, educating them on wine characteristics, tasting techniques, and wine pairings.
Enhance Dining Experience: Elevate the guest experience by creating a memorable wine journey, offering insights on wine provenance, helping guests navigate the wine list, and providing exceptional service.
Wine Service and Presentation

Serve Wine: Ensure that wine is served correctly, following appropriate temperature guidelines and proper decanting or aeration procedures when necessary. This includes using proper glassware and ensuring that wines are presented elegantly to the guests.
Wine Opening: Open bottles of wine in a professional and polished manner, including the presentation of the cork, allowing the guest to verify the wine, and ensuring proper pour techniques.

Desired candidate profile

Ideally with a relevant degree or diploma in Hospitality or Tourism management
Minimum 2 years work experience hotel operations
Good problem solving, administrative and interpersonal skills are a must
Strong Palate and Tasting Ability: Exceptional ability to taste and distinguish various wines, identify their characteristics, and recommend them effectively.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with guests and staff, explaining wine details, pairing suggestions, and menu options.
Sales Abilities: Skilled at upselling and making wine recommendations that increase sales while enhancing the guest experience.
Attention to Detail: High attention to detail when recommending, presenting, and serving wines to ensure quality and guest satisfaction.
Multitasking and Organizational Skills: Ability to juggle multiple tasks, such as managing the wine list, assisting guests, and coordinating with the kitchen and service staff.
Personal Attributes

Passion for Wine: A genuine passion for wine, with a strong desire to share knowledge and create memorable experiences for guests.
Professionalism and Discretion: A polished and professional demeanor, especially when dealing with guests, staff, or high-profile individuals.
Customer-Centric Approach: A focus on delivering a top-tier customer experience, with a friendly and approachable attitude that fosters trust with guests.
Problem-Solving: Ability to handle issues related to wine service, guest preferences, or wine-related complaints calmly and efficiently.