Head Sommelier

The Oyster Box; Durban; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury fine dining establishment in Durban is seeking an experienced Wine Steward to curate an exceptional wine experience for guests. The ideal candidate should have formal wine training and proven experience in a similar role. Responsibilities include wine selection, service, inventory management, and staff training. This role is crucial to elevate the dining experience in line with the establishment's high standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar role within a luxury or fine-dining environment.
• Ability to lift wine cases as required.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Assess guests' preferences and recommend suitable wines.
• Ensure proper presentation and serving of wine.
• Monitor and manage the wine inventory.
• Collaborate with management to curate and update the wine list.
• Educate serving staff about the wine list.
• Regularly taste wines for quality assurance.
• Provide guests with information about wine origins.
• Promote premium wines and wine pairings.
• Collaborate on wine-related events.
• Ensure compliance with licensing laws.

Skills

Knowledge of global wine regions

Exceptional interpersonal skills

Passion for wine

Education

Sommelier certification or wine course

Job description

Overview

Job Title: WINESTEWARD

The Wine Steward is responsible for curating an exceptional wine experience for guests, enhancing dining service by providing expert wine knowledge and ensuring proper presentation and service. This role includes maintaining the wine inventory, recommending pairings and delivering a sophisticated and personalized guest experience that reflects the standards of a 5-star hotel.

Minimum Requirements

• Formal training in wine (such as a sommelier certification or wine course) and proven experience in a similar role within a luxury or fine-dining environment.
• Knowledgeable in global wine regions, varietals, vintages and food pairings.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a passion for creating outstanding guest experiences.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift wine cases as required.

Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic, personable and genuinely passionate about wine and hospitality.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to service excellence and an eye for presentation.
• Self-motivated, proactive and able to work well in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as per the hotel’s requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Wine Selection and Recommendation: Assess guests’ preferences and recommend suitable wines to complement their meals. This involves a deep understanding of wine varieties, vintages and food pairing principles.
• Wine Service: Ensure proper presentation, opening and serving of wine according to industry standards. This includes using correct glassware, maintaining the correct temperature and pouring the wine professionally.
• Inventory Management: Monitor and manage the wine inventory including ordering, stocking and rotating wines to maintain freshness and availability. A wine steward often collaborates with suppliers and tracks popular or seasonal selections.
• Wine List Curation: Work with management and chefs to curate and regularly update the wine list ensuring it aligns with the restaurant’s cuisine, theme and guest preferences.
• Staff Training: Educate serving staff about the wine list including tasting notes and food pairings so they can effectively assist guests with basic recommendations.
• Quality Control: Regularly taste wines and inspect storage areas to ensure optimal quality and freshness, as well as check for any defects in bottles before serving.
• Guest Education: Provide guests with information about wine origins, production methods and tasting notes, enhancing their experience and knowledge.
• Upselling: Promote premium wines and wine pairings to enhance revenue while elevating the dining experience for guests.
• Event Planning: Collaborate with event organizers for wine-related events such as tastings or wine-pairing dinners, which often involve selecting special wines and leading tastings.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with licensing laws and safety regulations around alcohol service and storage.

The Oyster Box Hotel is committed to achieving an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the demographics of South Africa, with our Employment Equity objectives; preference will be given to candidates from designated groups as defined by the South African Employment Equity Act.

If you wish to be considered for this position please forward your CV together with an internal job application to the P&C Office or email :

Key Skills: Edp, IT Business Analysis, Home Care, Information Technology Sales, AC Maintenance, HR Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1