SOMMELIER

Crew Life at Sea; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Crew Life at Sea is seeking an experienced Sommelier to curate and manage our onboard wine program, train staff on service and pairings, and oversee wine storage.

You will develop a wine list, source new wines, collaborate with the Executive Chef on pairing menus, and ensure exceptional guest service while maintaining inventory accuracy.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years as a Sommelier in fine dining or luxury cruise ships.
• Certified Sommelier or equivalent certification preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of wines globally, including regions, varietals and vintages.
• Strong understanding of wine pairings and the ability to create menus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive wine list aligned with onboard dining options.
• Source new and unique wines to add to the collection.
• Create wine pairing menus for onboard events and special occasions with the Executive Chef.
• Train staff on wine service standards, pouring techniques and pairings.
• Oversee wine inventory storage and handling, ensuring correct temperatures and conditions.

Skills

Wine knowledge

Wine pairings

Staff training

Customer service

English fluency

Education

Certified Sommelier

Tools

POS systems

Job description

Position Overview:

As a Sommelier with Crew Life at Sea, you will be responsible for curating and managing our onboard wine program, ensuring that our guests have access to a diverse and high-quality selection of wines. You will also be responsible for training and educating our staff on wine service and pairings, as well as overseeing the proper storage and handling of our wine inventory.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive wine list that caters to the tastes of our guests and aligns with our onboard dining options
• Continuously research and source new and unique wines to add to our collection
• Work closely with the Executive Chef to create wine pairing menus for onboard events and special occasions
• Train and educate our staff on wine service standards, including proper pouring techniques and wine pairings
• Oversee the storage and handling of our wine inventory, ensuring that all wines are properly stored and maintained at the correct temperature
• Monitor and track wine sales and inventory levels, and make adjustments to the wine list as needed
• Provide exceptional customer service to guests, assisting them in selecting the perfect wine to complement their meal
• Collaborate with other departments, such as the dining and events teams, to ensure a seamless and enjoyable guest experience
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments, and make recommendations for improvements to our wine program
• Adhere to all safety and sanitation guidelines to maintain a clean and safe working environment

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Sommelier in a fine dining establishment or luxury cruise ship
• Certified Sommelier or equivalent certification preferred
• Extensive knowledge of wines from around the world, including regions, varietals, and vintages
• Strong understanding of food and wine pairings and the ability to create unique and complementary menus
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Knowledge of proper wine storage and handling techniques
• Fluent in English, additional languages are a plus
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment medical examination and background check
• Must be able to commit to a full-time, rotational contract