Sommelier

Graton Resort & Casino; Rohnert Park (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Graton Resort & Casino is seeking a sommelier to lead and curate the wine program across all dining and bar venues. The role emphasizes exceptional guest experiences, expert wine service, and collaboration with chefs and beverage leadership to design pairings and manage inventory.

The ideal candidate will have a formal wine certification, at least two years in fine dining or high-volume settings, and the ability to train staff while maintaining inventory integrity in a luxury resort environment.

Qualifications

• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• 2 years of experience in gourmet/fine dining or high-volume settings.
• Formal wine certification required (e.g., Court of Master Certified Sommelier or higher).
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess or obtain a Responsible Beverage Service certification.
• Must possess or obtain a California Food Handler certification.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and all shifts.

Responsibilities

• Curate and update wine lists aligned with concepts, seasonal changes, and guest preferences.
• Provide personalized wine recommendations based on guest preferences, menu selections and occasion.
• Maintain accurate wine inventory and proper storage to preserve quality.
• Source new selections with approved vendors and negotiate pricing.
• Promote wine sales via wine flights, pairings, and promotions; assist in wine dinners and tastings.
• Train front-of-house staff on wine service techniques, varietals, regions, and pairings.
• Keep dining room and service stations organized and clean.
• Anticipate guest needs and address requests promptly.
• Coordinate with kitchen to ensure smooth service and accurate orders.
• Process payments accurately following company procedures

Skills

Guest service

Wine knowledge

Staff training

Communication skills

Education

Court of Master Certified Sommelier or higher

Job description

The Sommelier is a key member of the Food & Beverage team responsible for curating, managing, and enhancing the wine program across all dining and bar outlets within the casino resort. This position ensures an exceptional guest experience by providing expert wine service, personalized recommendations, and staff training. The Sommelier collaborates closely with chefs, restaurant managers, and beverage leadership to design wine pairings, maintain inventory, and uphold service standards that reflect the luxury and quality of the resort.

Essential Functions:

• Wine Program Management- Curate and update wine lists in alignment with restaurant concepts, seasonal changes, and guest preferences.
• Guest Service & Wine Consultation- Provide personalized wine recommendations to guests based on preferences, menu selections, and occasion.
• Inventory & Cost Control- Maintain an accurate inventory of wine and related supplies; ensure proper storage and rotation to preserve quality.
• Vendor Relations- Work with approved vendors and distributors to source new selections, manage deliveries, and negotiate pricing.
• Sales & Promotion- Promote wine sales through suggestive selling, wine flights, and pairing recommendations. Assist in planning and executing wine dinners, tastings, and promotional events.
• Staff Training & Development- Train front-of-house staff on wine service techniques, varietals, regions, and food pairings.
• Maintain an organized and clean work area, including the dining room and service stations.
• Anticipate guest needs and address any concerns or requests in a timely manner.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service and accurate orders.
• Process payments accurately and handle cash or credit transactions following company procedures

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively with Guests, Team Members, and Management in both written and verbal form. Must be able to speak, read, and write fluently in English.
• Two (2) years of experience in gourmet, fine dining, and/or high-volume restaurants.
• Formal wine certification required (e.g., Court of Master Certified Sommelier or higher).
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must possess or obtain a Responsible Beverage Service State Certification.
• Must possess or obtain a California Food Handler Certification.
• Ability to handle a flexible work schedule, working weekends, holidays, and all shifts.