Junior Sommelier

Bushwise; Moses Kotane Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading luxury lodge in South Africa is seeking a Junior Sommelier to enhance the wine experience for guests. The ideal candidate will provide professional wine service, support stock management, and deliver training to staff, all while maintaining high service standards. This role requires a dedication to guest satisfaction, a passion for wine, and the desire to grow within the luxury hospitality sector. Experience in a similar environment and relevant wine qualifications are essential.

Benefits

Negotiable salary depending on experience

Live-in accommodation with meals and tips

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in F&B, preferably in a luxury lodge or fine-dining restaurant.
• Strong passion for wine and guest service.
• Ability to work in a remote lodge environment and adapt to safari operations.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional wine service during lunch and dinner, including recommendations and pairings.
• Support the upkeep and rotation of the lodge wine cellar, including inventory control.
• Deliver basic wine knowledge and service training to staff.
• Assist with bar service during peak service times.

Skills

Strong passion for wine and guest service

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

High attention to detail

Strong organisational skills

Proactive work ethic

Education

WSET Level 1/2 or Cape Wine Academy Certificate

Job description

5 star Game Lodge is seeking a passionate and service-driven Junior Sommelier to support the development and management of our wine program. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in wine knowledge, a dedication to exceptional guest service, and a desire to grow within a luxury lodge environment. This role works closely with the dining and bar team to elevate the guest experience through curated wine service, staff training, and maintaining high standards across all beverage operations.

Wine Service & Guest Experience

• Provide professional wine service during lunch and dinner, including recommendations, decanting, pairing, and table side service.
• Engage with guests to enhance their dining experience through knowledgeable, friendly, and confident wine interactions.
• Assist in creating unique wine pairings for special events, boma and bush dinners, and private dining.

Wine List & Stock Management

• Support the upkeep and rotation of the lodge wine cellar, including inventory control, stock counts, and ensuring correct storage conditions.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, and recording wine deliveries.
• Identify opportunities to improve and refine the wine list in collaboration with management.

Training & Staff Development

• Deliver basic wine knowledge and service training to waiters, bar staff, and lodge hosts.
• Promote a strong wine culture within the team, encouraging confidence in wine recommendations and service techniques.

Operational Support

• Assist with bar service and general F&B duties during peak service times.
• Ensure all wine service equipment is maintained, clean, and operational.

Uphold the Lodge’s brand standards, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and guest satisfaction at all times.

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in F&B, preferably in a luxury lodge or fine-dining restaurant.
• Relevant wine qualification (WSET Level 1/2, Cape Wine Academy Certificate, or similar).
• Strong passion for wine and guest service.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a remote lodge environment and adapt to the rhythm of a safari operation.
• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and a proactive work ethic.
• Willingness to learn, grow, and assist across various F&B functions

Benefits

• Negotiable, dependent on experience
• Live in with meals and tips