Lead Sommelier: Global Wine Program & Luxury Dining

Zuma Restaurant; Vail, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

World-class wine program

Staff training & development

Health benefits

Employee meals

Staff discounts

Job summary

Zuma Restaurant in Colorado (Vail) is seeking a Head Sommelier to curate and manage the wine program, elevating the guest dining experience with expert wine and sake selections. You’ll lead tastings, inventory, and staff training while partnering with the culinary team on wine pairing and service excellence.

Ideal candidates will have a Certified Sommelier or higher certification and prior fine dining experience with a deep knowledge of wine regions and service etiquette.

Qualifications

• Certified Sommelier or higher certification preferred.
• Previous experience as a Sommelier in a fine dining restaurant or similar upscale establishment.
• Passion for culinary experiences, especially Japanese cuisine.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop an extensive wine list aligned with Zuma's cuisine and standards.
• Conduct regular tastings and evaluations of wines for quality, value, and list inclusion.
• Conduct weekly inventory to ensure accurate stock levels.
• Collaborate with culinary team to develop wine pairings and guide guests on wine and sake selections.
• Oversee wine service standards and train staff to ensure proper storage, handling and service.
• Lead wine training sessions to increase staff knowledge of wine and sake.
• Support on-the-floor operations to ensure smooth service.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Wine pairing

Staff training

Guest service

Education

Sommelier certification

Job description

Zuma Restaurant in Colorado (Vail) is seeking a Head Sommelier to curate and manage the wine program, elevating the guest dining experience with expert wine and sake selections. You’ll lead tastings, inventory, and staff training while partnering with the culinary team on wine pairing and service excellence.

Ideal candidates will have a Certified Sommelier or higher certification and prior fine dining experience with a deep knowledge of wine regions and service etiquette.