Sommelier

Landed; City of Niagara Falls (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage

401(k) Employer Match

Life and Disability Insurance

Ancillary Insurance Plans

Employee Assistance Program

Fertility & Family Forming Support

Pet Insurance

Employee Discounts

TAO Savings Marketplace

Time off

Job summary

Tao Group Hospitality in New York seeks a skilled sommelier to lead wine service across our venues, delivering expert recommendations and maintaining exceptional guest experiences. You will partner with the culinary team to pair wines with menus, manage inventory, and train staff on wine service standards.

Required: 2+ years as a sommelier or equivalent experience, knowledge of global wine regions, and strong customer service skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years Sommelier experience or equivalent Tao Group Hospitality experience.
• Certificate from an accredited wine program preferred.
• Knowledge of proper wine service techniques, proper serving temperatures, glassware selection, and decanting.
• Fundamental knowledge of the wine regions of the World.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cocktails and spirits.
• Previous food and beverage experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Anticipate and accommodate the needs of the guests.
• Maintain general cleanliness of assigned stations and the venue.
• Provide professional and exceptional service.
• Enter all orders into the POS system accurately.
• Know the wine lists and assist with pairings.
• Lead staff education sessions and assist training.
• Ensure wine service complies with state regulations and health standards.
• Communicate guest needs to front-of-house and kitchen teams.

Skills

Sommelier experience

Wine knowledge

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

Certificate from accredited wine program

Food & beverage experience

21+ years of age

Job description

Job Description

Tao Group Hospitality offers competitive benefits for all full-time team members such as:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• 401(k) Retirement Program with Employer Match
• Life and Disability Insurance Plans
• Ancillary Insurance Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fertility & Family Forming Support and Resources
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Discounts
• TAO Savings Marketplace
• Time off and much more!

Actively takes wine and beverage orders and shares their expertise in the wine and beverage menus to assist guests in beverage pairings to enhance the dining experience. Interacts with the dining room guests, fellow team members, and supervisors in a polite, courteous and hospitable manner to ensure gracious hospitality.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Anticipate and accommodate the needs of the guests
• Maintain general cleanliness of assigned stations and the entire venue
• Provides professional and exceptional service
• Accurately enter all orders into the POS system
• Follow supervisor’s instructions, communicate with and support co-workers while being a team player
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of all food and beverage menus and the company
• Possesses excellent knowledge of venues wine list
• Well versed in both classic and creative wine and food pairings
• Assists in or leads staff education sessions
• Serves all alcoholic beverages in accordance with all state regulations and alcohol awareness training standards
• Complies with Department of Health standards
• Works as part of a team and provides help and support to all fellow team members
• Accurately completes all end-of-shift Wine Sales reports
• Communicates the needs of the guests to Front-of-House and Heart-of-House support staff, managers, and chefs
• Properly sets-up floor and side stations, performs side-work and other opening/closing procedures as directed by management, including:
  • Ensures the dining room is set for proper wine service
  • Ice buckets are prepared and maintained throughout service
  • Side stations have sufficient stemware, decanters, etc.
  • Wine storage rooms are well-maintained and organized
  • Reports all breakage, and damage of equipment or furniture immediately to management
• Attends and participates in daily pre-service meetings
• Attends and participates in any training sessions or departmental meetings
• Learn by listening, observing other team members, and sharing knowledge while leading by example
• Portrays a positive and professional attitude
• Demonstrates knowledge of Tao Group Hospitality, its partners, and supporting hotel environments
• Works as part of a team and provides help and support to all fellow team members
• Assist and/ or complete additional tasks as assigned

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

• Tao Group Hospitality in-venue sommelier training

EDUCATION/WORKING KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum 2 years Sommelier experience or equivalent related Tao Group Hospitality experience required
• Certificate from an accredited wine program preferred
• Previous food and beverage experience preferred
• Knowledge of proper wine service techniques, proper serving temperatures, glassware selection, and decanting
• Fundamental knowledge of the wine regions of the World
• Comprehensive knowledge of cocktails and spirits
• 21+ years of age

SKILLS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT / SCHEDULE

The work environment characteristics and/or physical demands described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions

• Ability to write, read, and verbally communicate
• Must have good positive energy throughout the day
• Must be able to print legibly for Team Members, management, and guests to read
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must be able to move quickly
• Must be able to push and lift up to 75 lbs. with or without assistance
• Work in an environment that is subject to varying levels of noise, crowds, and smoke, the severity of which depends upon the guest volume
• May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required
• Exposure to cleaning materials
• May work extended hours irregular shifts, evening and/or weekend shifts, and holiday work may be required
• Office, Casino, Nightclub, Bar, Lounge, and/or Restaurant working environment
• Maintain a professional, neat, and well-groomed appearance adhering to Company standards
• Must be effective as part of a team; ability to interact with internal and external customers, managers, and co-workers in a professional, courteous manner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to handle a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment

About Us

ABOUT TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY

Tao Group Hospitality delivers distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences through its portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and daylife venues. The company operates branded locations across the globe, featuring a collection of widely recognized hospitality brands including TAO, OMNIA, Marquee, LAVO, Beauty & Essex, Cathédrale, Little Sister, The Highlight Room, Sake No Hana, KOMA, Avenue, Fleur Room, JEWEL, and more. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Mohari Hospitality, an investment firm focused on the luxury lifestyle and hospitality sectors. With over 25 years of industry experience, Tao Group Hospitality consistently sets the bar for guest experiences by delivering unforgettable entertainment with innovation and creativity at the core. The company strives to exceed expectations and continually reinvent the future of hospitality through its owned operations as well as joint venture and managed properties.