Sommelier / Wine Specialist

Whistler Personnel Solutions Inc.; Whistler Village; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted meals

Free meals

Assistance with ski pass

Ongoing wine training

Job summary

Pare Restaurant Group in Whistler Village seeks an experienced sommelier to curate the wine list and elevate guest satisfaction through expert service and education. The role emphasizes mentoring front-of-house staff and building relationships with guests while advancing wine program quality.

Salary ranges between CAD 60,000 and CAD 70,000 plus a share of gratuities, with 5 evenings per week and ongoing wine training opportunities in a fine-dining setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of sommelier or advanced wine service experience in a high-end restaurant or hospitality setting.
• Deep knowledge of wine regions, varietals, vintages, and food pairings with focus on classic and emerging styles.
• Formal wine certification preferred with extensive knowledge of Italian and Canadian wines and regions.

Responsibilities

• Curating and maintaining the restaurant’s wine list in collaboration with management and culinary leadership.
• Assisting guests with wine service, recommendations, and pairings and leading the team in the dining room each evening.
• Managing wine inventory, ordering, receiving, pricing and proper storage to ensure quality and cost control.
• Leading pre-shift and ongoing wine training and education for front-of-house team members.
• Developing and conducting wine tastings, special events, and promotional programs.
• Ensuring compliance with all liquor licensing laws and responsible service standards.
• Maintaining wine cellar organization, temperature control, and rotation.
• Contributing to menu development and collaborating with chefs on seasonal pairings

Skills

Wine knowledge

Wine service

Leadership/mentoring

Guest relations

Education

Wine certification preferred

Job description

An exceptional fine-dining Italian restaurant in the heart of Whistler Village is seeking an experienced Sommelier who is passionate about curating memorable wine experiences and elevating guest satisfaction through expert service and knowledge. Ideal for someone who thrives in team environment and enjoys building relationships with guests while mentoring front-of-house staff on wine service excellence. Offering an excellent annual salary plus generous portion of gratuities.

About the Role, Benefits & Perks:

• Full-time, year round in the heart of Whistler Village.
• 5 evenings a week with some flexibility.
• Consistent schedule and hours are steady all year round.
• Salary in the range of $60,000-$70,000 based on experience.
• Plus a share of gratuities.
• Opportunity for advancement .
• Discounted and free meals.
• Assistance with ski pass.
• Ongoing wine training, tasting and education opportunities.
• Equal Opportunity Employer that values Diversity Equality and Inclusion.
• Will support Permanent Resident applications for qualified candidates.

The Perfect Candidate:

• Minimum of 3 years of sommelier or advanced wine service experience in a high-end restaurant or hospitality setting.
• Deep knowledge of wine regions, varietals, vintages, and food pairings, with a focus on classic and emerging wine styles.
• Formal wine certification preferred with extensive knowledge of Italian and Canadian wines and regions.
• Confident, personable guest interaction skills with the ability to guide wine selections for a range of budgets and preferences.
• Strong leadership presence with experience training and mentoring servers, bartenders, and hosts on wine service, tasting notes, and upselling.
• Impeccable professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure in a refined dining environment.

Responsibilities Include:

• Curating and maintaining the restaurant’s wine list in collaboration with management and culinary leadership.
• Assisting guests with wine service, recommendations, and pairings and leading the team in the dining room each evening.
• Managing wine inventory, ordering, receiving, pricing and proper storage to ensure quality and cost control.
• Leading pre-shift and ongoing wine training and education for front-of-house team members.
• Developing and conducting wine tastings, special events, and promotional programs.
• Ensuring compliance with all liquor licensing laws and responsible service standards.
• Maintaining wine cellar organization, temperature control, and rotation.
• Contributing to menu development and collaborating with chefs on seasonal pairings

Unique Value-Driven Culture

The owners of this top Whistler restaurant believe culture is their most valuable ingredient. “We are fiercely protective of our environment and are looking for a leader who doesn’t just fit in but actively uplifts the team.”

• Attitude Over Everything: We hire for heart and work ethic. We believe skills can be taught, but a positive, team-first “atmosphere” is a requirement.
• “We Grow Our Own Tomatoes”: This is our internal mantra. We are committed to cultivating talent from the ground up and pride ourselves on promoting from within. As Chef de Partie, you are the lead gardener—responsible for spotting potential and nurturing the next generation of culinary stars.
• Humble but Effective: We value leaders who carry themselves with humility. You should be approachable and grounded in your daily interactions with staff and guests, yet decisive and highly effective in execution.

The Pare Restaurant Group is a family-oriented organization that comprises three local Whistler restaurants: Caramba, Quattro, and Lorette. They promote a healthy work-life balance and foster a family-centric culture aimed at achieving success with every guest and colleague.