Head Sommelier & Service Captain – Fine-Dining Expert

Shinka; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) matching

Voluntary Insurance

Dining discounts

Job summary

Shinka, a modern Japanese and French restaurant opening in San Francisco, seeks a seasoned Captain/Sommelier to join the team. This hybrid role blends fine-dining leadership with wine expertise to enhance guest experiences and drive beverage sales.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in fine dining, strong wine knowledge, and excellent communication. Expect evenings, weekends, and special events in a fast-paced, guest-centric environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of fine-dining restaurant experience.
• Strong knowledge of wine, including major regions, varietals, producers, and fundamentals of winemaking.
• Ability to confidently discuss and create food and wine pairings.
• Sommelier certification, hospitality education, or equivalent beverage experience is a plus.
• Strong communication, leadership, and guest-relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute exceptional fine-dining service while maintaining high standards of hospitality, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Act as a floor leader during service, supporting servers, runners, hosts, bartenders, and other front-of-house team members as needed.
• Guide guests through wine, beverage, and menu selections with confidence, warmth, and insight into individuals’ preferences.
• Assist curating thoughtful wine pairings in collaboration with the Chef.
• Execute proper wine service, including presentation, opening, decanting, temperature, glassware, and preservation of open bottles.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the restaurant's wine and beverage programs, including varietals, regions, producers, vintages, pricing, and winemaking techniques.
• Assist with wine selection, inventory management, receiving, and organization of the wine program.
• Contribute to beverage sales through genuine hospitality, knowledgeable recommendations, and a sales-focused and guest-centered approach.
• Train and mentor service staff on wine, beverage, food pairings, service standards, and restaurant offerings.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Leadership

Guest relations

Communication

Education

Sommelier certification

Hospitality education

Job description

Shinka, a modern Japanese and French restaurant opening in San Francisco, seeks a seasoned Captain/Sommelier to join the team. This hybrid role blends fine-dining leadership with wine expertise to enhance guest experiences and drive beverage sales.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in fine dining, strong wine knowledge, and excellent communication. Expect evenings, weekends, and special events in a fast-paced, guest-centric environment.