Wine Steward

Irvine, CA, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $16.90 - $18.00

Benefits

growth opportunities

Great Training

Education Reimbursement

Generous Dining Discount

Flexible Hours

Health Insurance

teamwork

Job Description

Water Grill is a distinguished seafood restaurant that has been delighting seafood aficionados in Southern California for over 25 years. Renowned for its exceptional quality and freshness, Water Grill has earned the prestigious accolade of "the best seafood in Southern California" from the internationally recognized Zagat Guide. This establishment prides itself on delivering dazzling fish preparations that highlight superior culinary craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Water Grill is not just a restaurant but a culinary family that fosters a collaborative, professional, and productive environment where employees can thrive and grow. The company offers competitive hourly rates ranging from $16.90 to $18 per hour, supplemented by commission opportunities on bottles of wine, enhancing the overall compensation for dedicated team members. This role offers premium benefits, growth opportunities, flexible hours, and a strong company culture where teamwork and professionalism are highly valued.

The Wine Steward position at Water Grill is integral to providing an exceptional guest experience by guiding patrons through an exquisite wine journey that complements their meal perfectly. This role demands extensive wine knowledge, impeccable service skills, and the ability to connect with guests to elevate their dining experience. As a Wine Steward, you will be responsible for pairing wine with food, offering expert recommendations, and ensuring the proper presentation and service of wines, including techniques such as decanting. Your presence will be felt throughout the dining room as you interact with guests, management, coworkers, and vendors, maintaining courtesy and professionalism at all times. This position also plays a crucial role in managing the restaurant’s wine inventory and contributing to the evolution of the wine list to keep it fresh and appealing. The successful candidate will be adept in recognizing wine quality, understanding state liquor laws, and upholding Water Grill’s high standards in service and presentation. The company invests in staff development through great training, education reimbursement, and opportunities for promotion from within, ensuring that employees continually enhance their skills and career trajectory. If you are passionate about wine and customer service and seek a dynamic work environment in a celebrated seafood setting, this opportunity at Water Grill is designed for you.

Job Requirements

Minimum of 21 years of age
High school graduate
Some college preferred
Level 1 Court of Masters or WSET level 2 or equivalent certification
Current California Food Handler’s Card
Proficient communication skills in verbal and written English
Ability to add guest notes to database
Skilled in opening all types of wine and champagne bottles
Ability to identify wine quality issues
Knowledge of proper glassware and decanting
Familiarity with major wine regions, producers, and vintages
Thorough understanding of service standards
Capability to describe wines comprehensively
Knowledge of state liquor laws and regulations

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 not 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 in 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