Also called: wine steward, somm
What a sommelier does
Sommeliers manage the wine program from buying to table service. They build and update the wine list, taste and select wines with distributors, manage inventory and cellar storage, and recommend pairings to guests. At the table they present, open, and pour wine with polish, and they teach servers how to describe and sell wine. A good sommelier balances deep wine knowledge with warmth, so guests feel guided rather than lectured. The role fits fine dining, tasting-menu, and wine-driven restaurants, and often involves formal wine education.
Responsibilities
- Build, price, and update the wine list
- Taste wines with distributors and select bottles and by-the-glass pours
- Recommend wines to guests based on taste, food, and budget
- Present, open, decant, and pour wine with proper service
- Manage cellar organization, inventory, and ordering
- Train servers and bartenders on wine knowledge and service
- Create pairings for tasting menus and special dinners
- Track pricing, margins, and slow-moving bottles
- Handle corked or faulty bottles professionally
- Run wine dinners, tastings, and events
Requirements
- Previous wine service experience in a restaurant
- Strong knowledge of wine regions, grapes, and pairing
- Formal wine education or certification often preferred, such as a recognized sommelier program
- Alcohol-server training such as TIPS is often required
- Strong communication and sales skills
- Availability for evenings and weekends
Skills
- Wine knowledge and tasting
- Pairing with food
- Table presentation and service
- Inventory and ordering
- Guest communication
- Training service staff
- Pricing and margin awareness
Schedule
Sommeliers generally work dinner service on evenings and weekends, with daytime hours for tastings, ordering, and inventory.
Sommelier job posting template
Copy this, replace the bracketed parts, and post it.
Sommelier at [Restaurant Name], [City] About us [Restaurant Name] is a [fine dining or wine-focused concept] in [City] with a wine program centered on [regions or style]. We are looking for a Sommelier who shares knowledge with warmth, not pretension. What you will do - Manage and grow the wine list - Recommend and serve wine at the table - Handle cellar, inventory, and ordering - Train the service team on wine and pairings - Host tastings and wine dinners What we are looking for - Wine service experience in a restaurant - Deep wine knowledge and sales skills - Wine education or certification a plus - Alcohol-server training (such as TIPS) if required in [State] - Evenings and weekends availability Pay and perks [$XX-$XX/hr + tips or salary], plus wine education support, tastings, and room to shape the program. Shifts [Shift], including weekends. How to apply Send your resume and wine background to [Email/Link], or contact [Manager Name] at [Phone].
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