Fine-Dining Waiter: Elevate Guest Experience & Wine

Red Ember Recruitment; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Wine tastings

Wine discounts

Professional development

Prestigious establishment

Job summary

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking a sophisticated Sommelier for a highly acclaimed restaurant in Paarl. You will curate an extensive wine program, guide guests through local and international wines, and train staff on wine knowledge and service.

The role is on-site, requiring extensive wine expertise, strong guest interaction skills, and a passion for excellence in a prestigious culinary setting.

Qualifications

• Certified Sommelier qualification highly desirable.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a sommelier or in a senior wine-focused role in fine dining.
• Extensive knowledge of global wine regions, grape varietals and pairing principles.
• Exceptional customer service skills and ability to engage confidently with guests.
• Strong organizational skills for cellar management and inventory tracking.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the restaurant's wine list, ensuring a diverse, high-quality selection.
• Manage the wine cellar: inventory control, purchasing, proper storage.
• Provide expert wine recommendations and pairings for meals.
• Conduct wine training sessions for service staff.
• Oversee serving temperature and presentation of wines.
• Stay current with global wine trends, vintages and producers.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Customer service

Inventory management

Staff training

Education

Certified Sommelier qualification (Court of Master Sommeliers / WSET Level 3+)

Tools

Wine cellar software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed restaurant in the heart of Paarl , is seeking a sophisticated and knowledgeable Sommelier to curate their exceptional wine program. This role is integral to providing an unparalleled dining experience, guiding guests through an extensive list of local and international wines with expertise and passion. You will be responsible for wine procurement, cellar management, staff training, and ensuring perfect wine pairings to complement our culinary creations. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of viticulture, oenology, and exceptional service standards, contributing to the restaurant's reputation for excellence. This on-site role is for a wine connoisseur passionate about sharing their expertise with discerning clientele.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain the restaurant's wine list , ensuring a diverse and high-quality selection that complements the menu.
• Manage the wine cellar, including inventory control, purchasing, and proper storage conditions.
• Provide expert wine recommendations to guests, assisting them in selecting appropriate pairings for their meals.
• Conduct wine training sessions for service staff to enhance their knowledge and upselling capabilities.
• Oversee the correct serving temperature and presentation of all wines.
• Stay current with global wine trends, new vintages, and emerging producers.

Requirements

• Certified Sommelier qualification (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET Level 3 or higher) is highly desirable.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Sommelier or in a senior wine-focused role within fine dining establishments.
• Extensive knowledge of global wine regions, grape varietals, and wine pairing principles.
• Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to engage confidently with guests.
• Strong organizational skills for cellar management and inventory tracking.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and gratuities based on experience and performance.
• Access to exclusive wine tastings and industry events.
• Employee discounts on food, beverages, and wine purchases.
• Opportunities for professional development and further wine certifications.
• A stimulating work environment within a prestigious culinary establishment.