Wine Steward

Los Angeles, CA, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $18.42

Benefits

growth opportunities

Great training and commitment to promotions from within

teamwork

Flexible Hours

Education Reimbursement

Generous Dining Discount

Professionalism

productive environment

Strong company culture

delicious food in a beautiful restaurant

Job Description

Water Grill has been a distinguished name in the Southern California dining scene for over 25 years, celebrated for its exquisite seafood offerings. Renowned by the international Zagat Guide as providing the best seafood in Southern California, Water Grill prides itself on delivering fresh, high-quality fish dishes prepared with mastery and care. The establishment is committed to creating a memorable dining experience that combines impeccable service, premium ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere.

As a premier seafood restaurant, Water Grill emphasizes the importance of quality and customer satisfaction. The restaurant has cultivated a loyal following by consistently offering a menu that celebrates the richness of the ocean, paired perfectly with an exceptional wine program. This dedication to excellence extends beyond the kitchen to every facet of the guest experience, including personalized service and a team environment that supports growth and professionalism.

The role of Wine Steward at Water Grill is vital in enhancing the overall guest experience through expert wine service and knowledge. Working as a Wine Steward means becoming an ambassador for the restaurant's wine program, guiding guests through a finely curated selection of wines, helping them discover new flavors, and ensuring the perfect pairing with their meal. This position offers a competitive hourly wage starting at $18.42 plus commission on wine bottle sales, reflecting the value Water Grill places on this expertise.

The Wine Steward is responsible for guiding guests through an exceptional wine experience from greeting or introduction, through order taking, correct wine service including decanting, to the suggestive selling of wines. This role requires fluid communication with guests, managers, co-workers, and vendors, maintaining professional decorum at all times. Wine Stewards are entrusted with maintaining the wine inventory, organizing storage, and contributing to the evolution of the restaurant’s wine list, ensuring it stays current and outstanding.

Water Grill fosters an environment rich with growth opportunities, professional development, and a robust company culture. Employees benefit from comprehensive training programs, promotion pathways within the company, and a supportive team atmosphere that values flexibility in scheduling. Additional benefits include education reimbursement, generous dining discounts, and a productive, positive work environment located in a beautiful setting, making it a standout workplace for anyone passionate about hospitality and wine service.

Joining Water Grill as a Wine Steward means becoming part of a team dedicated to excellence, teamwork, and enhancing guest satisfaction through skilled wine service. This position is perfect for motivated professionals who appreciate fine wines, enjoy engaging with guests, and aspire to develop their careers in the high-end restaurant industry.

Job Requirements

Minimum of 21 years of age
High school graduate, some college
Level 1 Court of Masters, WSET level 2, or equivalent
Current CA Food Handler’s Card
Ability to communicate verbal and written English with guests, management and co-workers
Ability to add guest notes to Open Table database
Ability to open all wine/champagne bottles with ease regardless of the difficulty of corks, openers, size of bottle, etc.
Ability to recognize a wine that is up to our standard
Complete knowledge of proper glassware to use and decanting technique
Maintain knowledge of major winemaking regions, vineyards, styles, vintages and producers and bottlings
Ability to maintain complete knowledge of the service standards
Ability to describe characteristics, pricing and descriptions of every wine/champagne "by the glass" selection and all major wines on the wine list and dessert wine list
Understanding of state liquor regulations, particularly those prohibiting service to minors, intoxicated persons and drunk driving

Job Qualifications

Minimum of 21 years of age
High school graduate, some college
Level 1 Court of Masters, WSET level 2, or equivalent
Current CA Food Handler’s Card
Ability to communicate verbal and written English with guests, management and co-workers
Ability to add guest notes to Open Table database
Ability to open all wine/champagne bottles with ease regardless of the difficulty of corks, openers, size of bottle, etc.
Ability to recognize a wine that is up to our standard
Complete knowledge of proper glassware to use and decanting technique
Maintain knowledge of major winemaking regions, vineyards, styles, vintages and producers and bottlings
Ability to maintain complete knowledge of the service standards
Ability to describe characteristics, pricing and descriptions of every wine/champagne "by the glass" selection and all major wines on the wine list and dessert wine list
Understanding of state liquor regulations, particularly those prohibiting service to minors, intoxicated persons and drunk driving

Job Duties

Drive sales at all times, keeping in mind the taste preference and budget parameters of the guest, using suggestive selling techniques
Visit table, take wine order, confirm during order-taking and upon presentation of wine, serve wine in an expert manner including proper pouring and decanting technique
On a shift-by-shift basis, build Open Table guest notes database to build history of guest to better serve/sell to the guest
Manage the evening's inventory of wine (restocking as needed)
Follow wine service standards for ringing in and tracking orders
Maintain wine stock in service areas so wine can be served quickly to guest
Maintain neat and organized condition of all wine storage areas
Maintain "Wine Bible" with one-page sheets for all current (and past) wines on wine list
Ensure that any guest that is not 100% satisfied with our product or service is attended to immediately, and a manager is informed
Ensure that restaurant wine glassware and decanters are at par, available, and clean
Assist with inventories as directed by manager
Assist with wine ordering as directed by manager
Assist with all other service to guests as needed: Hosting, Bussing, Running Food/Drinks, taking orders, etc.
Actively participate ongoing crew wine education
Maintain an eye for details
Keep self at a level of high energy and engagement
Maintain and grow an enthusiasm for the wine program
Complete side work duties as assigned