Head Sommelier - Luxury Wine Estate & Resort

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Private healthcare

Pension fund contribution

Staff wine and accommodation discounts

Opportunities for wine education and旅行

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a Head Sommelier for a world-renowned Stellenbosch wine estate and luxury resort. Lead the beverage program, curate an exceptional wine list, and manage a sophisticated cellar with a focus on premium global selections.

The role requires extensive SA wine knowledge, advanced sommelier certification, and 7+ years in sommelier roles, including leadership. Exceptional service and leadership are essential for this luxury guest experience.

Qualifikationen

• Advanced Sommelier certification is required.
• Minimum 7 years as a Sommelier with at least 3 years in a Head Sommelier role.
• Extensive knowledge of South African wines, especially Stellenbosch, and international regions.
• Experience in cellar management, inventory control and cost management.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, with a polished demeanor.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in beverage management software.
• Passion for wine and continuous learning.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Aufgaben

• Develop, curate and maintain an exceptional wine list with strong focus on estate vintages and global selections.
• Manage the wine cellar: inventory control, stock rotation, storage and procurement.
• Lead, train and mentor the sommelier team to high service standards.
• Provide expert wine recommendations and personalized service for guests and events.
• Conduct wine tastings and educational sessions for guests and staff.
• Collaborate with culinary teams for optimal wine and food pairings.
• Manage beverage costs and profitability with F&B management.
• Stay updated on wine trends, regions and new releases.
• Ensure licensing compliance and responsible alcohol service.
• Plan and execute wine-focused events and promotions.

Kenntnisse

Sommelier experience

Wine knowledge (SA & international)

Cellar management

Inventory control

Cost management

Customer service

Leadership & team management

Communication skills

Beverage management software

Flexibility with shifts

Ausbildung

Advanced Sommelier certification

Tools

Beverage management software

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

A world-renowned wine estate and luxury resort situated in the picturesque Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking an exceptionally talented and experienced Head Sommelier to lead its beverage program. This prestigious role involves curating an outstanding wine list, managing a sophisticated cellar, and providing unparalleled wine service to discerning guests across its fine dining restaurants and exclusive events. The ideal candidate will possess profound knowledge of global wines, spirits, and other beverages, exceptional service skills, and strong leadership qualities to guide the sommelier team. You will be an ambassador for the estate's award-winning wines and contribute significantly to the overall luxury guest experience in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, curate, and maintain an exceptional wine list, with a strong emphasis on the estate's own vintages, alongside other premium global selections.
• Manage the wine cellar, including inventory control, stock rotation, storage conditions, and procurement.
• Lead, train, and mentor the sommelier team, ensuring the highest standards of wine knowledge and service etiquette.
• Provide expert wine recommendations and personalized service to guests in dining rooms and during special events.
• Conduct wine tastings and educational sessions for guests and staff.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to ensure optimal wine and food pairings.
• Manage beverage costs and profitability, working closely with the F&B management.
• Stay abreast of current wine trends, emerging regions, and new releases.
• Ensure compliance with all licensing regulations and responsible alcohol service practices.
• Assist in the planning and execution of wine-focused events and promotions.

Requirements

• Advanced Sommelier certification (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced, WSET Diploma Level 4 in Wine) is essential.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience as a Sommelier, with at least 3 years in a Head Sommelier or equivalent leadership role in a high‑end establishment.
• Extensive knowledge of South African wines, particularly from the Stellenbosch region, as well as international wine regions.
• Proven experience in cellar management, inventory control, and cost management.
• Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, with a polished and professional demeanor.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in beverage management software.
• A passion for wine and hospitality, with a desire to continuously learn and explore.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Benefits

• This role offers a competitive salary package, generous performance-based bonuses, and excellent gratuities.
• Benefits include private healthcare, a generous pension fund contribution, and substantial staff discounts on wine and accommodation.
• Opportunities for further wine education and international wine travel are provided.

Join one of the most esteemed estates in the Stellenbosch, Western Cape, and elevate your career in the world of fine wine and hospitality.