Sommelier (Hourly + Commission)

Job Description

Job Description

A rare opportunity to join the City Winery team as we reimagine the future of live music and hospitality. City Winery to deliver the highest end combined culinary and cultural experience to our customers who are passionate in sharing wine, music, and culinary arts. We are a unique facility, combining a fully functioning winery with intimate concerts, food & wine classes, private events in a variety of configurations, and fine dining. We have created a compelling mix for our sophisticated clientele of foodies, and active cultural patrons—bringing the wine country experience to the middle of a large city.

Position Summary

This is an Hourly + Commission Opportunity!
Sommeliers are in-house wine and beverage experts whose focus is on maximizing overall beverage sales and delivering an exceptional guest experience. The Somm is responsible for overall guest service and satisfaction, recommending wine and food pairings, educating guests on beverage selections, and beverage department support in areas such as monthly inventory. Specific certifications are not required, but a strong fundamental knowledge of the wine regions of the world – both Old and New World – along with producer familiarity and vintage knowledge is mandatory. The most essential component to be a successful Sommelier will be the earnest desire to propel the wine program forward through clear communication and organization, a curiosity to learn more, and a willingness to share our expertise with guests and staff in a helpful, thoughtful way.

Overview of Responsibilities

●       Maintain a clean, well-organized wine cellar in accordance with company standards

●       Recommend wine and beverage pairings to guests; upsell both tableside offerings and retail wine offerings for guests to take home

●       Keep staff abreast of beverage changes on the wine list

●       Assist with monthly inventory

●       Know about and defend our product brands

●       Know and be able to identify table and seat numbers 

●       Maintain station cleanliness 

●       Knowledge of cocktail list - drinks, specs, flavor profiles 

●       Knowledge of WBTG facts - producer, variety, region, vintage, flavor profiles, history

●       Know the proper standard for opening bottles of wine and tableside service

●       Be warm, knowledgeable, and noticeably appreciative towards guests

●       Accommodate guests by making each individual feel welcomed

●       Act professionally and always maintain composure

●       Identify and report problems to management immediately 

●       Be aware of service flow, dining timing, and be able to adjust for each guest’s individual needs 

●       Implement and follow steps of service

●       Respond to the needs of the guests, taking orders, running food, and bussing tables

●       Oversee activities of your team in the station

Minimum Qualifications

●       2+ years sommelier experience in a fast-paced restaurant

●       Extensive knowledge of and a genuine love for wine, winemaking, beer and spirits

●       Ability to consistently deliver high-quality guest experiences, exceed guest expectations, and strive to create a memorable experience at every City Winery visit  

●       Strong work ethic, team player, and exceptional guest service skills

●       Strong attention to detail and organizational skills 

●       Polished presentation 

●       Ability to take direction from others and accept constructive criticism

●       Effective communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build positive relationships with coworkers and guests 

●       Aptitude to resolve problems 

●       Must be fluently literate in English including ability to read, write, and communicate, conduct basic business related mathematics, able to accurately function a POS 

●       Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends, and holidays

●       Ability to perform physical requirements of the role including standing/walking for entirety of shift, bending, pulling, pushing, using stairs, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds

About Us

Wine, food, and live entertainment collide at City Winery to create a dynamic and incredibly unique workplace. Since 2008, City Winery has been turning heads across the nation with amazing live performances, delectable cuisine, and award winning, locally produced wines. But there's more to us than that  we're a haven for community and creativity, a place where the philosophy of hospitality is more than just a buzzword, but a way of life. City Winery, founded by music industry veteran & visionary Michael Dorf, has established itself as a one-of-a-kind brand providing unforgettable experiences for guests. From world class music venues to sustainably produced wines with ratings of 90+ points, City Winery offers a range of topnotch events & experiences.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at City Winery. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, City Winery participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.