Remote Sommelier and Wine Program Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and incentives

Home office stipend

Professional wine education support

Travel opportunities for research with

Flexible remote schedule

Health insurance contribution

Access to exclusive wine experiences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Remote Sommelier and Wine Program Manager to curate premium wine offerings for luxury travel packages and virtual tastings. Based from home near Bloemfontein, you will collaborate with travel advisors and partner wineries to deliver a seamless wine experience for discerning clients.

You will develop tasting notes, recommendations, and educational content while staying abreast of global wine trends.

Qualifications

• Recognized sommelier certification essential.
• 5–7 years in a senior sommelier or wine buying/management role.
• Deep knowledge of global wine regions, varietals, and winemaking techniques.
• Ability to develop engaging wine content and deliver educational presentations.
• Strong understanding of wine logistics and import/export regulations.
• Excellent remote communication and client-facing skills.
• Proficiency with online collaboration tools and digital platforms.
• Able to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Experience in e-commerce wine sector is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Curate a high-quality wine portfolio for luxury travel packages and events.
• Develop tasting notes and pairing recommendations.
• Conduct virtual wine tastings and educational sessions.
• Collaborate with partner wineries and suppliers to source exceptional wines.
• Manage wine shipment inventory and logistics.
• Advise travel advisors on wine recommendations by destination.
• Stay updated on global wine trends and vintages.
• Build relationships with wine industry figures.
• Contribute to wine-related marketing content.
• Ensure wine operations meet quality and service standards.

Skills

Sommelier communication

Content creation

Remote collaboration

Client-facing skills

Education

Sommelier certification (Court of Master Sommeliers / WSET level 3+)

Tools

Online collaboration tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a discerning online luxury travel platform, is seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Remote Sommelier and Wine Program Manager. Based from home, ideally near Bloemfontein, Free State , you will be responsible for curating, managing, and promoting the wine offerings for our exclusive travel packages and virtual tasting events. This role requires an expert understanding of global wines, exceptional palate development skills, and the ability to translate complex wine knowledge into engaging content for clients. You will work closely with travel advisors and partner wineries to ensure a seamless and premium wine experience for our discerning clientele. This is a unique opportunity to leverage your expertise in a dynamic, remote-first environment, shaping the wine journey for luxury travelers.

Key Responsibilities

• Curate and manage a diverse and high-quality wine portfolio for exclusive travel packages and virtual events.
• Develop tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and educational content for wines offered.
• Conduct virtual wine tastings and educational sessions for clients.
• Collaborate with partner wineries and suppliers to source unique and exceptional wines.
• Manage inventory and logistics for wine shipments, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
• Advise travel advisors on wine recommendations tailored to specific destinations and client preferences.
• Stay abreast of global wine trends, emerging regions, and notable vintages.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key figures in the wine industry.
• Assist in the development of wine-related marketing materials and online content.
• Ensure all wine-related operations adhere to quality and service standards.

Requirements

• Recognized Sommelier certification (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET Level 3 or higher) is essential.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience as a Sommelier or in a senior wine buying/management role within the luxury hospitality or retail sector.
• Exceptional palate, deep knowledge of global wine regions, varietals, and winemaking techniques.
• Proven ability to develop engaging wine content and deliver educational presentations.
• Strong understanding of wine logistics, import/export regulations, and inventory management.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and client-facing skills, adapted for remote interaction.
• Proficiency in using online collaboration tools and digital platforms.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet project deadlines.
• A passion for wine education and sharing knowledge with others.
• Previous experience in e-commerce or online retail related to wine is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, home office stipend, opportunities for professional wine education and travel (for research and supplier relations), and a flexible remote work schedule.
• This role allows you to work from anywhere, contributing to a growing luxury travel brand while focusing on your passion for wine, even from a base near Bloemfontein.
• Benefits include health insurance contribution and access to a network of exclusive wine experiences.