Under the general guidance of the Director of Beverage, the Sommelier is responsible for delivering refined and personalized wine service to enhance the overall guest dining experience. The Sommelier supports the execution of the restaurant’s wine program through expert recommendations, accurate service, and cellar management. This role upholds the highest service standards while contributing to guest satisfaction, team training, and the ongoing development of the wine offering in line with the brand’s identity and vision.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead and manage all aspects of the wine program, ensuring exceptional guest experiences by delivering expert wine recommendations and flawless service throughout all dining areas.
- Maintain comprehensive knowledge of the wine list, including varietals, regions, vintages, and producers, and communicate this knowledge clearly to guests and team members.
- Oversee the training, coaching, and development of the sommelier team and wine service staff to maintain high standards of product knowledge, service techniques, and professionalism.
- Collaborate with the culinary team and restaurant management to design and update wine menus, including seasonal selections and wine pairing suggestions that complement the food offerings.
- Manage wine inventory control, including ordering, receiving, storing, and rotating stock to maximize freshness and minimize waste or loss.
- Ensure proper care and storage of wine in the cellar, maintaining ideal temperature, humidity, and organization to preserve product quality.
- Monitor guest feedback related to wine service and continuously implement service enhancements to elevate the overall guest experience.
- Enforce compliance with all health, safety, and alcohol service regulations, including responsible service policies and legal age requirements.
- Drive team engagement and motivation by fostering a positive work environment that encourages professional growth, accountability, and teamwork.
- Participate actively in promotional events, tastings, and staff training sessions to continually raise awareness and appreciation of the wine program within the team and with guests.
- Any other reasonable duties as assigned by the supervisor or manager.
- We recognize we are in the hospitality industry and that may require us to provide lateral service.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to provide clear direction to the venue teams.
- Communicate with employees using a positive and clear speaking voice, listen to and understand requests, respond with appropriate actions and provide accurate information.
- Remain calm and alert, especially during emergency situations and/or heavy restaurant activity, serving as a role model for team and other employees. Interact with other department personnel and venue staff as needed.
- Make decisions and take actions based on previous experience and good judgment, sometimes revising procedures to accommodate unusual situations.
To be aware of and ensure constant compliance with all necessary operational policies including:
- Health and Safety
- Food Hygiene
- Maintenance
- Emergency Procedures
- Liquor Licensing
SUPPORTIVE FUNCTIONS
In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the particular requirements of the company.
- Attend mandatory meetings including divisional meetings, staff meetings, etc.
- Participate in community events and ensure corporate social responsibility goals of SLS are met.
- Utilize traditional software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), Micros, ADP, Open Table and any departmental specific systems used.
- Keep work area clean and organized.
- Ensure confidential documents are kept in a secured area.
- When disposing confidential documents that contain any personally identifiable information, they must be shredded or pulverized.
- Complete other duties as assigned by the Department Head.
- Demonstrate positive leadership characteristics, which inspire Team Members to meet and exceed standards.
- Ensure compliance with SLS’s policies and procedures.
OTHER DUTIES
Assimilate into SLS’s culture through understanding, supporting and participating in all SLS elements. Demonstrate working knowledge of the service standards.
Regular attendance in conformance with the standards, which may be established by SLS from time to time, is essential to the successful performance of this position.
Due to the cyclical nature of the hospitality industry, employees may be required to work varying schedules to reflect the business needs of the property.