Wine Waiter

Crew Life at Sea; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company in Cape Town seeks a skilled Wine Waiter to deliver exceptional wine service. Responsibilities include educating guests on wines, upselling products, and collaborating with dining staff. Ideal candidates possess strong wine knowledge, excellent customer service skills, and previous fine dining experience. Join a vibrant team focused on providing unforgettable guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of wines, grape varieties, wine regions, vintages, and production methods.
• Previous experience as a Wine Waiter, Sommelier, or similar role in fine dining establishments or upscale hotels.
• Excellent communication skills to engage guests and address inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Provide knowledgeable wine service to guests, including recommendations and food pairing.
• Promote and sell wines using upselling techniques.
• Assist in maintaining an updated wine list and manage wine inventory.

Skills

Wine Knowledge

Customer Service

Wine Sales Skills

Multilingual Skills

Attention to Detail

Adaptability

Team Player

Hygiene and Safety Awareness

Positive Attitude

Education

Certification from reputable wine education programs (WSET)

Job description

• Wine Service: Provide personalized and knowledgeable wine service to guests, including presenting the wine list, offering recommendations, describing wines, and assisting with food and wine pairing selections.
• Wine Sales: Promote and sell wines to guests, utilizing upselling techniques to enhance revenue generation while considering guest preferences and budgets.
• Wine List Management: Assist in maintaining an up-to-date and well-curated wine list, including wines from various regions, vintages, and styles to cater to diverse guest preferences.
• Wine Cellar Operations: Assist with wine inventory management, including receiving and storing wine shipments, rotating stock, and maintaining proper storage conditions to preserve wine quality.
• Wine Education: Continuously expand your knowledge of wines, grape varieties, regions, and production methods to confidently educate guests and fellow staff members. Conduct wine tastings and workshops as part of guest entertainment and enrichment programs.
• Guest Relations: Build rapport with guests, providing exceptional customer service and addressing their inquiries, preferences, and special requests related to wine selection and service.
• Team Collaboration: Coordinate with the dining staff, kitchen, and bar teams to ensure seamless service and proper coordination of food and wine service timing.
• Wine Events: Assist in organizing and executing special wine events, including wine tastings, wine-pairing dinners, and wine promotions, contributing to a vibrant and engaging onboard experience.
• Hygiene and Safety: Adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards, including responsible alcohol service, proper handling of glassware, and adherence to sanitation protocols.
• Administrative Tasks: Assist with wine inventory reporting, sales tracking, and other administrative duties as assigned by the Head Sommelier or management.

Qualifications:

• Wine Knowledge: Strong knowledge of wines, grape varieties, wine regions, vintages, and production methods. Certification from reputable wine education programs (such as WSET) is highly desirable.
• Experience: Previous experience as a Wine Waiter, Sommelier, or similar role in fine dining establishments, upscale hotels, or cruise ships is preferred.
• Customer Service: A genuine passion for providing exceptional customer service. Excellent communication skills to engage guests, make recommendations, and address inquiries and concerns professionally.
• Wine Sales Skills: Proven ability to promote and sell wines, utilize upselling techniques, and maximize revenue opportunities.
• Multilingual Skills: Proficiency in English is required. Additional language skills are highly advantageous, especially those commonly spoken by cruise ship guests.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in wine service, including proper handling of glassware, decanting, and wine pouring techniques.
• Adaptability: Ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, adjusting to the ship's schedule, different dining venues, and varied itineraries.
• Team Player: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of staff members across various departments.
• Hygiene and Safety Awareness: Knowledge and adherence to strict hygiene and safety standards, including responsible alcohol service and sanitation protocols.
• Positive Attitude: A positive and professional demeanor, with a genuine passion for wine, hospitality, and guest satisfaction.