Sommelier

Description

Job Title: Sommelier
Reports To: General Manager & Wine Manager
Department: Operations - FOH
Employment Type: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $17.00 per hour plus tips 

About José Andrés Group
José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company led by Chef José Andrés, known for outstanding guest experiences, innovation, and a values-driven culture. Our teams bring world-class food and warm hospitality to life across acclaimed concepts worldwide.

Position Summary
Sommeliers play a pivotal role in elevating the guest experience by expertly selling wine and beverage selections within JAG. A high-level of beverage knowledge is passed along to guests while delivering exceptional table-side service. Beyond guest interaction, the sommelier trains staff on wine knowledge and service standards, ensuring the entire team can confidently recommend beverages and properly present wine to guests. They work with servers and support staff to ensure table maintenance is on point and guests feel overly taken care of. The sommelier upholds JAG service standards, fosters a team-oriented environment, and embodies our core values of hospitality and excellence.

Primary Responsibilities:

Customer Service & Experience

• Assist guests with wine recommendations from building-wide wine lists, offering approachable and inviting recommendations.
• Able to cross-sell wine from each outlet’s wine list and recommend off-menu bottles. 
• Conduct table-side wine service, including proper presentation and guest tasting.
• Knowledge of decanting back-vintage wine with Asos and Durands and at ease with decanters table-side. 
• Knowledge of high-end glassware and what grape varietals/textures of wines are served in different stemware. 
• Curate wine pairings to evolve with seasonal menus or Chef’s tasting menus. 
• Work with servers and support staff for table maintenance. 
• Great understanding of spirits and pairing recommendations.
• Deliver exceptional guest service that aligns with each outlet’s luxury standards.
• Ability to educate and inspire guests to order outside of their comfort zone. 
• Sommeliers must stay updated on wine trends and emerging regions for unique conversation with guests regarding wine regions, styles, and pairings to enhance guest experience.

Staff Training & Development

• Train staff on wine knowledge to ensure consistent and streamlined knowledge of by-the-glass producers and wine regions.
• Train staff for a high-level of service techniques with an emphasis on open-hand service. 
• Train staff on wine and cocktail pairings to align with menu offerings.
• Lead tastings and educational sessions for the team. 

Beverage Management

• Manage wine inventory centrally and in each restaurant’s respective wine caves.
• Oversee wine storage and ensure optimal conditions for preservation. 
• Daily restocking. 
• Knowledge of proper storage for back-vintage bottles to keep from spoilage.  
• Available for monthly inventory counts of all outlets.
• Ensure compliance with all NYC alcohol service regulations

Sales & Revenue Growth

• Help develop strategies to increase wine sales, such as pairing specials or wine flights.
• Communicate with senior beverage team trends of guests and suggest menu changes to align with guest preferences.  
• Develop and maintain relationships with wine distributors and producers.
• Develop repeat guests to spaces and keep strong connections with these guests. 

Compliance & Quality Control

• Ensure proper storage conditions for wines.
• Familiar with correct serving temperatures of white, red and sparkling wines. 
• Maintain health and safety standards related to beverage service.

Requirements

• Open availability a must: minimum of 3 days per week, including weekends and holidays, with flexibility
• Passion for hospitality, guest engagement, and serving others
• 1 - 2 years of full-service, high volume restaurant experience
• Strong knowledge of wine regions, varietals, and service techniques.
• Familiarity with cocktails and the use of wines in cocktails.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with customers and train staff.
• Certification from a recognized wine body (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET) is often preferred.
• Experience in a similar role in a cocktail lounge, bar, or restaurant.

Abilities & Working Conditions

• This position will spend 100% of the time standing or walking.
• Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours in length.
• Must be able to exert a well-paced ability to maneuver between functions occurring simultaneously.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis.
• May be required to lift trays of food or food items weighing up to 40 lbs. occasionally.
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.
• Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests and employees.
• Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.

In Return, We Offer You

• Competitive compensation and performance-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive health & wellness benefits
• Retirement savings plans
• Employee dining discounts
• Growth in a values-driven, award-winning hospitality group

Equal Opportunity Employer
José Andrés Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.