Sommelier

Aventura; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Disability insurance

Meal benefits

Restaurant discounts

Job summary

Aventura, a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar in downtown Ann Arbor, seeks an experienced Sommelier to own and grow the wine program. You will curate the wine list, manage purchasing, and guide guests with expert recommendations while leading staff training.

You will build relationships with guests, expand wine sales beyond dining through a club and events, and collaborate with the kitchen to pair wines with seasonal menus. This role offers comprehensive benefits and ongoing growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in sommelier service, wine sales, or running a wine program.
• Sommelier certification (Court of Master Sommeliers) or WSET Level 2+ preferred.
• Broad wine knowledge with a focus on Spain and sherry; understanding pricing, cost, and inventory.
• Track record of growing wine sales and building guest relationships.
• Warm, clear communicator who educates staff without overwhelming guests.

Responsibilities

• Curate and update the wine list and sherry selection balancing price, margins, seasonality, and kitchen menu.
• Lead wine purchasing and distributor relationships from tasting to inventory tracking.
• Guide guests on the floor, lead tableside presentations, and build relationships with regulars.
• Educate servers and bartenders to promote Spanish wines and sherry with confidence.
• Grow wine sales beyond dining room via retail bottle sales, wine club, and events.

Skills

Sommelier experience

Wine sales

Wine program management

Job description

Description

Aventura is a Spanish tapas restaurant and bar on East Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor, serving small plates made for sharing since 2013. Guests come to linger over food and drinks with people they love, and our team makes every table feel like part of the celebration.

The Sommelier owns the wine program at their restaurant, from building the list and working with distributors to guiding guests at the table and teaching the team. It's a role for someone who loves wine as much as the people drinking it, and who wants to grow a program that guests come back for.

What you'll do

• Curate and update Aventura's Spanish wine list and sherry selection, balancing pricing, margins, seasonality, and the kitchen's menu


• Lead wine purchasing and distributor relationships, from tasting new releases to receiving, storing, and tracking inventory in the cellar


• Work the floor during service, guiding guests through the list, leading tableside presentations, and building relationships with regulars


• Teach our servers and bartenders to recommend and sell Spanish wine and sherry with confidence


• Grow wine sales beyond the dining room through retail bottle sales, a wine club, and events such as producer dinners and tastings

What we provide

• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network, with four plan options including an HSA-eligible plan and a monthly company contribution toward your premium, plus dental and vision coverage, starting the first of the month after 60 days


• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions set each year, available after two months of employment for team members 21 and older


• A paid vacation bank set in your offer, available after 90 days and renewed every April


• Paid sick time: earn 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 72 hours per year


• Peace of mind: company-paid short-term disability insurance that replaces two-thirds of your base pay (up to $750 per week) for up to 13 weeks, plus optional life insurance for you, your spouse, and your children


• One manager meal per shift, 50% off at your home restaurant, and 25% off at our other restaurants on your days off


• The chance to build your career with one of the region's most successful hospitality groups, where we expect and support your personal and professional growth

Requirements

Who you are

• 3 to 5 years of experience in sommelier service, wine sales, or running a wine program


• Sommelier certification (Court of Master Sommeliers, or WSET Level 2 or higher) preferred


• Broad wine knowledge with a real interest in Spain and sherry, plus a working grasp of wine pricing, cost, and inventory


• A track record of growing wine sales and building lasting relationships with guests


• A warm, clear communicator who can teach wine without overwhelming guests or staff, and who stays professional and calm during busy service

Physical requirements

• Lift and carry up to 40 lbs regularly, including cases of wine


• Stand and walk for shifts of up to 8 to 9 hours


• Move through stairs, walk-in coolers, and cellar spaces, including bending, kneeling, and reaching to access inventory


• Work in varied temperatures, from cold storage to the dining room


• Manual dexterity for opening, pouring, and decanting wine