Wine Steward

San Diego, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Hourly

Compensation

Hourly

Exact $18.50

Work Schedule

Flexible

Benefits

growth opportunities

Education Reimbursement

Generous Dining Discount

Professionalism

productive environment

teamwork

Flexible Hours

Job Description

Water Grill is a distinguished seafood restaurant that has been delighting seafood enthusiasts in Southern California for over 25 years. Known for its commitment to superior quality and freshness, Water Grill has earned acclaim as "the best seafood in Southern California" by the internationally recognized Zagat Guide. This esteemed establishment prides itself on offering dazzling fish preparations that capture the essence of the ocean, making it a premier dining destination for those seeking an exceptional seafood experience. The restaurant's dedication to excellence extends beyond its cuisine, fostering a strong company culture grounded in professionalism, teamwork, and a productive environment. Water Grill continually invests in its employees by providing comprehensive training, opportunities for growth and promotion from within, and a workplace that values education and flexible hours. Employees also enjoy generous dining discounts and premium benefits, creating a rewarding and supportive atmosphere for all team members. The Wine Steward role at Water Grill plays a crucial part in enhancing the overall dining experience by guiding guests through an elevated wine journey that complements the exquisite seafood offerings. This position is more than just serving wine; it is about delivering exceptional service, deep wine knowledge, and a personalized touch that exceeds guest expectations. The Wine Steward is responsible for pairing wine and food expertly, providing detailed descriptions and recommendations, and ensuring the proper service of wine including decanting and pouring techniques. From the initial greeting to order taking, the Wine Steward remains actively engaged with guests, colleagues, managers, and vendors, maintaining open and professional communication throughout service. This role is instrumental in managing the wine inventory, updating the wine list, and upholding service standards to maintain the restaurant's reputation for quality. Working at Water Grill offers a competitive hourly rate plus commission on wine sales, with hourly earnings up to $18.50. The position also offers significant benefits including growth opportunities, education reimbursement, and a vibrant company culture that values enthusiasm for wine and hospitality. Wine Stewards play an integral part in maintaining the wine program through ongoing education and detailed attention to the nuances of wine service, ensuring that every guest has a memorable and satisfying experience. This role requires a blend of technical skill, customer service excellence, and a passion for wine, making it an ideal opportunity for those seeking a career in the hospitality and wine industry within a dynamic and reputable seafood restaurant environment.

Job Requirements

Minimum of 21 years of age
High school graduate or equivalent
Some college education preferred
Relevant certification such as Level 1 Court of Masters or WSET level 2 or equivalent
Current California Food Handler’s Card
Proficient communication skills in English, both verbal and written
Ability to update guest information in Open Table system
Skilled in opening various types of wine and champagne bottles
Strong knowledge to identify wine quality standards
Familiarity with appropriate glassware usage and decanting methods
Comprehensive understanding of major wine regions and producers
Thorough knowledge of wine service standards
Capacity to explain wine characteristics, pricing, and descriptions accurately
Knowledge of state liquor laws and regulations regarding responsible service

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 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