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Sommelier (Hourly + Commission)

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Hourly
diamond

Benefits

Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Commission
flexible schedule
Employee Discounts
Professional development opportunities
team environment

Job Description

City Winery is a distinctive and vibrant destination that seamlessly blends culinary excellence, live music, and wine culture in a unique urban setting. Since its inception in 2008 by music industry visionary Michael Dorf, the company has redefined the live music and hospitality scene by offering an unparalleled experiential mix that includes a fully operational winery, intimate concert venues, gourmet dining, wine and food classes, and private events. Situated in bustling city locations, City Winery provides an immersive environment where the essence of wine country meets sophisticated urban living, catering to a discerning clientele passionate about food, wine, and culture. The establishment is renowned for its award-winning, sustainably produced wines that consistently earn high ratings and its commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences through innovative service and ambiance.

This role offers an exciting hourly plus commission opportunity for a knowledgeable and passionate Sommelier to join the City Winery team as they continue to reimagine the future of hospitality in live music and wine experiences. The Sommelier serves as the in-house wine and beverage expert, tasked with maximizing beverage sales while delivering a memorable and educational guest experience. In this capacity, the Sommelier not only recommends wine and food pairings with expertise but also contributes to the overall beverage program through inventory management and staff education. While formal certifications are not mandatory, candidates must possess a strong fundamental knowledge of global wine regions, including both Old World and New World wines, combined with familiarity with producers and vintages. The successful candidate will be a proactive communicator with a genuine curiosity to learn and share wine knowledge, aiming to elevate the wine program and guest engagement continually.

The Sommelier’s responsibilities encompass maintaining a pristine and well-organized wine cellar, recommending and upselling beverage options, educating staff about changes to the wine list, assisting with monthly beverage inventory, and defending the quality and provenance of City Winery’s product brands. Beyond technical wine service skills, the role demands excellence in guest interaction, ensuring each visitor feels warmly welcomed and attracted by the Sommelier’s knowledge and hospitality. Attuned to the flow of service, the Sommelier must adapt to the unique needs of the guests, manage station cleanliness, supervise team activities, and actively contribute to a smooth and professional service environment. This position requires physical stamina, flexibility in working a range of shifts including nights and weekends, and an ability to manage operational challenges calmly and efficiently.

City Winery fosters a nurturing workplace culture that celebrates creativity, community, and diversity. As an equal opportunity employer, City Winery values inclusion and welcomes candidates of varied backgrounds who are passionate about hospitality and the arts. By joining the City Winery team, Sommeliers become part of a forward-thinking company committed to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, surrounded by professionals dedicated to leading the hospitality industry with energy and integrity. This role is ideal for those who thrive in a dynamic environment that intersects fine dining, live entertainment, and premium wine culture, offering ample opportunity for personal growth and professional development within a renowned and beloved brand.

Job Requirements

  • 2+ years sommelier experience in a fast-paced restaurant
  • Extensive knowledge of wine, winemaking, beer, and spirits
  • Ability to deliver high-quality guest experiences consistently
  • Strong work ethic
  • Team player
  • Exceptional guest service skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Polished presentation
  • Ability to take direction and accept constructive criticism
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Fluent in English including reading, writing, and communication
  • Ability to accurately operate POS systems
  • Flexible availability including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, push, pull, use stairs, and lift up to 50 pounds

Job 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
  • Strong work ethic and team player attitude
  • Exceptional guest service skills
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Polished presentation
  • Ability to accept constructive criticism and take direction
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Aptitude to resolve problems
  • Fluently literate in English including reading, writing, and communication
  • Ability to accurately operate a POS system
  • Ability to work flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, push, pull, use stairs, and lift up to 50 pounds

Job Duties

  • 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 product brands
  • Identify table and seat numbers accurately
  • Maintain station cleanliness
  • Understand cocktail list including drinks, specs, and flavor profiles
  • Know wine, beer, and spirits facts including producer, variety, region, vintage, flavor profiles, and history
  • Follow proper standard for opening bottles of wine and tableside service
  • Provide warm, knowledgeable, and appreciative guest interactions
  • Make each guest feel welcomed individually
  • Act professionally and maintain composure
  • Report problems to management immediately
  • Be aware of service flow and dining timing, adjusting for guests’ individual needs
  • Implement and follow steps of service
  • Respond to guest needs including taking orders, running food, and bussing tables
  • Oversee activities of the team in the station

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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