Sommelier

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; Walland (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce in Walland, TN invites a Sommelier to lead wine and spirit tastings and deliver elevated service in a fine dining setting.

You will collaborate with front-of-house staff, build cellar knowledge, train teammates, and engage with wine producers and guests through events. Strong hospitality background and wine/spirits literacy are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in hospitality, preferably fine dining.
• Strong knowledge of wine and spirits is necessary to excel.
• Excellent email and verbal communication etiquette.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily tastings for guests highlighting boutique wines and spirits.
• Assist guests with wine selections to enhance dining experiences.
• Restock and manage cellar/wine storage.
• Support service staff during peak hours to ensure top service.
• Participate in inventory counts and training with the team.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Hospitality experience

Communication skills

Job description

It’s fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they’re doing!
We’re committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

1471 W. Millers Cove Rd
Walland, TN 37886
The Sommelier is a salaried leadership role that works closely with an expansive spirits and wine program, engaging in daily tastings with guests and providing in-restaurant service. This role focuses on connecting guests with small, independent producers of spirits and wine to create memorable and elevated dining experiences.

On a daily basis, the Sommelier consistently tastes and builds knowledge of wines from boutique producers across regions including California, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and beyond. Throughout the year, the role also includes regular opportunities to engage with wine producers and chefs from around the world through food and wine–focused events featured within the program.
This role collaborates daily with the front-of-house service team to lead and support bar, lounge, and dinner service, ensuring a high-quality and cohesive guest experience across all service areas.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead daily wine and spirits tastings for our guests to educate them on small batch producers of spirits and boutique wine makers from around the world
• Provide memorable service to our guests as a floor sommelier, helping them find the best selections for their dining experience
• Daily restock of wines in our Cellars and wine storage areas
• Supporting the front of house service team during service – one team, one goal – great service
• As a team, help to train the service staff on wines, spirits, and cocktails
• Participate in monthly and yearly beverage inventory counts as assigned

Must comply with all company policies and procedures.

Regular and consistent attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Must be able to work well with other Team Members, Managers, and interact with our guests.

Education, Experience, and Communication

• Must be able to work with a large team, cooperatively, positively towards our goal of excellent service and support of one another in that pursuit
• Experience in the hospitality industry in a fine dining restaurant is preferred
• Great base knowledge of wine and spirits is necessary to excel in this role
• Proper e-mail and verbal communication etiquette is necessary to excel in this role – within the company and one on one with our guests and team members

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to be on feet for an extended period of time for pre-service and service role
• Must be able to operate a company vehicle or golf cart safely

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Dining Room, Cellars, Bar and Open Kitchen areas
• May occasionally be asked to go outside in all weather conditions