Sommelier-Elliott Aster

Marriott International is a globally recognized leader in the hospitality industry, renowned for its commitment to excellence, exceptional service, and innovative guest experiences. Within the expansive Marriott portfolio, the Autograph Collection stands out as a distinctive group of four and five-star independent hotels. These hotels are carefully selected for their unique qualities, originality, and bold character, aimed at offering travelers personalized, memorable stays that go beyond the ordinary. The Autograph Collection caters to "The Individualist" – discerning travelers who view each journey as an opportunity to craft their own story through carefully chosen hotel experiences that reflect their personal style and sense of adventure. Being part of this collection means being part of something truly special within the Marriott ecosystem, where you are empowered to deliver unparalleled guest service and contribute to a vibrant global community.

The position offered is that of a Wine Steward within the Autograph Collection. This role is instrumental in elevating the dining experience by expertly handling wine and champagne selections, providing guests with insightful knowledge about wine origins, vintages, and styles, and helping them make thoughtful pairings with menu items. Wine Stewards at Marriott International are responsible not only for issuing and serving drinks but also for maintaining and updating the wine list and associated inventory systems. This includes the MICROS system—a crucial component of the hotel's operational technology.

The role involves continuous learning and relationship-building through attending wine tastings and working closely with vendors to recommend new and exciting wines that meet the high standards of the hotel brand. The Wine Steward also designs and implements promotions and incentive programs to enhance guest engagement and boost sales. They ensure that all wine cellar inventory, equipment, and glassware are properly monitored and replenished, maintaining the highest levels of quality and presentation.

A key aspect of the role is staff development and education. The Wine Steward trains server and bartender teams, helping them to refine their wine knowledge and improve service delivery. They conduct vintage and BIN number checks to ensure accuracy and authenticity of wine offerings and organize staff wine tastings to improve overall team familiarity with the product. Maintaining compliance with all state and local alcohol serving laws is paramount, alongside securing all alcoholic beverages and related storage areas to prevent loss or misuse.

This position not only requires technical wine knowledge but also a strong commitment to Marriott's service standards, including safety and security protocols. The Wine Steward acts as an ambassador of the brand, welcoming and acknowledging guests in a professional and warm manner, anticipating their needs, assisting guests with disabilities, and expressing genuine appreciation. The role demands excellent communication skills, both in-person and over the phone, and the ability to develop positive working relationships with colleagues to ensure smooth operations and an exceptional guest experience.

Physical demands include the ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods, handle objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and navigate various physical environments within the hotel. Additionally, adherence to uniform guidelines and maintaining confidentiality of proprietary information are essential. This position does not require supervisory experience but values at least two years of related experience and a vocational qualification.

Overall, the Wine Steward position at the Autograph Collection offers an exciting opportunity to work within a prestigious hotel brand, combining passion for wine with world-class hospitality service. It offers a vibrant work environment where individuals are encouraged to bring their unique strengths and creativity to the table while growing professionally and personally within the Marriott International family.