Assistant Sommelier

Houston Oaks; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Oaks Country Club & Retreat seeks a dedicated Assistant Sommelier to support wine service across club dining venues and special events. This role includes helping members choose wines, assisting with retail sales, and managing multiple wine storage locations.

Ideal candidates have CMS or WSET exposure and a passion for hospitality. Flexible evenings and weekend availability are expected to accommodate private tastings and club events.

Qualifications

• Passion for wine and hospitality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and special events.
• CMS Introductory Sommelier or WSET Level 1/2 preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Provide exceptional wine service throughout dining venues and events.
• Assist members and guests with wine selections and recommendations.
• Support retail wine sales and member wine allocations.
• Receive, organize, and maintain wine inventory across storage locations.
• Assist with private member wine locker management and storage operations.
• Participate in planning and executing wine dinners, tastings, and educational events.
• Maintain cellar organization, inventory accuracy, and product presentation.
• Continue developing wine knowledge through tastings and trainings.
• Uphold service standards and hospitality culture of Houston Oaks Country Club & Retreat.
• Perform other related duties to elevate the wine program.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Customer service

Communication

Detail-oriented

Evening/weekend availability

Education

CMS Introductory Sommelier

WSET Level 1

WSET Level 2

Job description

# Assistant Sommelier## Description**Position Summary:**Recognized by the Club Management Association of America as home to one of the premier wine programs in the country, Houston Oaks Country Club & Retreat offers a unique opportunity for an aspiring wine professional to build a career in fine wine hospitality. Our wine program encompasses a world-class restaurant cellar, a thriving retail wine shop, private member wine storage, exclusive collector offerings, and an event calendar featuring some of the most celebrated wineries and winemakers in the world. This position provides hands-on experience across all facets of the operation, allowing team members to develop skills in wine service, retail sales, cellar management, inventory control, member relations, and event execution.Whether assisting with a casual bottle recommendation, managing rare wine inventory, or participating in dinners featuring iconic producers, no two days are the same. Team members work alongside experienced wine professionals and gain exposure to wines and experiences rarely available in traditional restaurant or retail environments. While an introductory wine certification such as CMS Introductory Sommelier or WSET Level 1 or 2 is preferred, we place equal value on curiosity, enthusiasm, hospitality, and a genuine desire to learn. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about wine, enjoy building relationships, and are excited to grow within a dynamic and highly regarded wine program, all aimed at fostering connections and ensuring our team thrives together in a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose.**Essential Duties and Responsibilities:*** Provide exceptional wine service throughout the Club's dining venues and events.* Assist members and guests with wine selections and recommendations.* Support retail wine sales and member wine allocations.* Receive, organize, and maintain wine inventory across multiple storage locations.* Assist with private member wine locker management and storage operations.* Participate in the planning and execution of wine dinners, tastings, and educational events.* Maintain cellar organization, inventory accuracy, and product presentation.* Continue developing wine knowledge through tastings, training, and educational opportunities.* Uphold the service standards and hospitality culture of Houston Oaks Country Club & Retreat.* Perform other related duties assigned, with a focus on elevating the wine culture of the club.## Qualifications**Required Skills and Qualifications:*** Passion for wine and hospitality.* Strong communication and interpersonal skills.* Detail-oriented and organized.* Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and special events.* CMS Introductory Sommelier, WSET Level 1 or 2, or equivalent experience preferred but not required.* Desire to pursue further wine education and professional development.* A commitment to providing exceptional service that makes a difference to our Membership.**Working Conditions:*** **Fast-Paced Environment:** Work in a dynamic, fast-paced dining environment with high energy, varying noise levels, and fluctuating temperatures.* **Flexible Schedule:** Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required, with the possibility of long hours during peak seasons or special events.* **Physical Demands:** Standing for long periods, walking, bending, and stooping are essential to performing the duties. The ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds is required.* **Wine Service Responsibilities:** Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling wine bottles and glasses, as well as working with corkscrews and decanters.**Physical Requirements:*** **Endurance:** Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time (8+ hours per shift).* **Manual Dexterity:** Ability to handle delicate wine glasses, bottles, and other service tools.* **Mobility:** Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and move around the wine cellar or restaurant as necessary.* **Temperature & Conditions:** Comfortable working in a hot, humid environment with fluctuating temperatures.* **Vision & Hearing:** Good vision and hearing are necessary to ensure the safety and quality of wine service.**Physical Functions:**The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. We are committed to making reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities in fulfilling these responsibilities.