Sommelier - LAVO Tampa

Tao Group Hospitality; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sommelier training

Job summary

Tao Group Hospitality is opening two venues at Hotel Cala in Tampa and is assembling opening teams. We seek a skilled sommelier to lead wine service, assist guests with pairings, and educate staff across the wine program.

You will maintain wine service standards, ensure compliance with state regulations, and participate in ongoing sommelier training sessions.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of Sommelier experience or equivalent Tao Group Hospitality experience.
• Certificate from an accredited wine program required.
• Knowledge of proper wine service techniques, temperatures, glassware, and decanting.
• Fundamental knowledge of world wine regions.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cocktails and spirits.

Responsibilities

• Actively takes wine and beverage orders and provides wine pairing recommendations.
• Enters all orders into the POS system accurately.
• Maintains cleanliness of assigned stations and the venue.
• Provides professional and exceptional service to guests.
• Assists and leads staff education sessions on wine and beverages.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Customer service

Team player

Communication skills

Education

Sommelier experience (3+ years)

Wine program certificate

Tools

POS system

Job description

In early 2027, Tao Group Hospitality is bringing two distinct dining experiences to Hotel Cala on Tampa's waterfront. LAVO will make its Tampa debut with signature coastal Italian cuisine and hospitality, while BarOnda will bring a vibrant atmosphere to the Riverwalk with curated cocktails, bites, and waterfront views. We're building our opening teams now. Join Tao Group Hospitality and be part of bringing two exciting new destinations to Tampa.

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 3 years of Sommelier experience or equivalent related Tao Group Hospitality experience required.

Certificate from an accredited wine program required.

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.

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