Lead Sommelier - Wine Program & Pairing Expert

Think Hospitality; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Think Hospitality in Miami seeks an accomplished sommelier to lead the wine program in a fine dining setting. You will craft, curate, and teach, elevating guest experiences through expert wine pairing and service.

With 3–5 years in luxury hospitality and formal certification preferred (CMS Level 2 or WSET Level 3), you will mentor staff, manage inventory and costs, build relationships with distributors, and ensure beverage program excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as a sommelier in a fine dining or luxury hospitality environment.
• Proven ability to manage a professional wine program, from curation to service execution.
• Formal certification strongly preferred (CMS Level 2 Certified Sommelier, WSET Level 3, or equivalent).
• Deep, up-to-date knowledge of global wine regions, producers, vintages, and pairing principles.
• Strong leadership, communication, and guest relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, curate, and maintain a sophisticated and balanced wine list aligned with the restaurant's culinary vision.
• Deliver refined and confident wine service, including detailed pairing recommendations, decanting, and tableside presentation.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and management to create and execute seasonal wine pairings and tasting menus.
• Manage all aspects of the wine program, including purchasing, inventory control, vendor relations, and cost management.
• Maintain meticulous cellar organization and ensure proper storage and rotation.
• Educate and mentor service staff, fostering a culture of knowledge, professionalism, and genuine hospitality.
• Build and maintain relationships with distributors, importers, and producers to access unique and high-quality selections.
• Stay current on industry trends, new regions, and emerging producers to keep the wine program dynamic and relevant.
• Support overall beverage operations, ensuring consistency with the restaurant's brand and service standards.
• Uphold all legal, health, and safety compliance standards related to alcohol service.

Skills

Sommelier experience

Wine knowledge

Leadership

Guest relations

Cost management

Education

CMS Level 2 Certified Sommelier

WSET Level 3

Job description

Think Hospitality in Miami seeks an accomplished sommelier to lead the wine program in a fine dining setting. You will craft, curate, and teach, elevating guest experiences through expert wine pairing and service.

With 3–5 years in luxury hospitality and formal certification preferred (CMS Level 2 or WSET Level 3), you will mentor staff, manage inventory and costs, build relationships with distributors, and ensure beverage program excellence.