Job Description
Job Description
Senior Sommelier / Wine Service Captain
Department: Food and Beverage
Reporting directly to: Restaurant Manager
Job Responsibilities:
- Present and expertly guide guests through the wine offerings, delivering elevated service, thoughtful pairings, and driving wine sales through deep product knowledge.
- Assist in curating, developing, and maintaining the restaurant’s wine list in alignment with concept, seasonality, and business goals.
- Lead, train, and mentor front of house team members in wine knowledge, service standards, and upselling techniques, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
- Conduct regular wine training sessions and pre-shift briefings, including updates on new vintages, producers, and menu pairings.
- Oversee wine inventory, including stock control, ordering support, and accurate tracking of product movement in collaboration with management.
- Ensure proper storage, rotation, and condition of all wines, maintaining quality standards at all times.
- Maintain full responsibility for wine-related equipment and glassware, ensuring cleanliness, organization, par levels, and proper handling procedures.
- Monitor and analyze weekly wine sales performance, identifying trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement; provide actionable insights to management.
- Collaborate closely with restaurant leadership to support operational goals, profitability targets, and overall guest experience initiatives.
- Ensure service excellence by maintaining Forbes Travel Guide standards and luxury service expectations in all wine interactions.
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding the sale and service of alcoholic beverages.
- Address and resolve guest concerns and complaints promptly and professionally.
- Support scheduling, staffing, and floor operations as needed, acting as a key leadership presence during service.
- Adhere to the Hotel Standard Operating Procedures (as updated)
- Other tasks, as may be assigned.
Job Requirements:
- 5+ years’ experience in a fine dining or luxury hospitality environment, with progressive responsibility in wine service.
- Advanced sommelier certification (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET Level 3 or higher) or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated experience in wine list development, inventory management, and team training.
- Strong business acumen, including familiarity with cost control, sales analysis, and revenue optimization.
- Must have full availability and the ability to work a flexible schedule to include nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Valid and active ServSafe Food Handler Certificate.
- Adhere to the Forbes Travel Guide Standards, with specific emphasis on but not limited to: Arrival/Departure Service, Guest Services One and Two, Guest Service Request, Public Areas, Hotel Dining, Bar/Lounge Service, In-Room Dining, Pool/Beach Service (as updated).
- Adhere to the Employee Handbook (as updated)
- Adhere to the Code of Conduct (as updated) and Confidentiality, Non-Solicitation & Intellectual Property Agreement (as updated)
- Able to work unsupervised with strong attention to detail while supporting team members as needed.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
- Able to lift, carry, push, and/or pull 40-50 pounds. Ability to kneel, reach overhead, climb, crouch, and bend downwards.
- Must be able to seize, grasp, turn and hold objects with hands.
- Able to stand on feet for long periods of time and move efficiently between various locations.
Note: This document, and policies contained herein, is not intended to be a contract for employment, and the employer reserves the right to make any necessary revisions at any time.