Sommelier

Sommelier / Wine Steward

Purpose of the Role

The Sommelier is responsible for curating and managing an exceptional wine and beverage experience that complements the lodge’s fine dining offering and enhances the overall guest experience.

This role requires strong wine knowledge, excellent guest engagement skills, cellar management experience, and the ability to deliver luxury service standards in a lodge or fine dining environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, update, and maintain an award-worthy wine list featuring South African and international wines.

• Recommend wines to guests based on their preferences, meals, and occasion.

• Conduct wine tastings and food-and-wine pairing experiences for guests.

• Train service staff on wine knowledge, wine service standards, and upselling techniques.

• Manage wine cellar inventory, storage, stock rotation, and ordering.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with premium wine suppliers and wine estates.

• Ensure proper wine serving, decanting, presentation, and glassware standards.

• Monitor beverage cost control, stock movement, wastage, and profitability.

• Assist with special events, private dinners, bush dining experiences, and wine-pairing menus.

• Work closely with the Food and Beverage team and chefs to enhance the guest dining experience.

• Promote wine sales while maintaining a personalised and luxury guest service approach.

Minimum Requirements

• Recognised Sommelier certification, such as WSET Level 2 or 3, or equivalent.

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a luxury lodge, fine dining restaurant, hotel, or similar hospitality environment.

• Strong knowledge of South African wines.

• Knowledge of international wines will be advantageous.

• Previous experience with cellar management, wine service, and guest tastings.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent guest engagement and storytelling skills.

• Strong palate and food-and-wine pairing expertise.

• Good inventory and beverage cost management ability.

• High attention to detail.

• Professional presentation and communication skills.

• Strong sales and upselling ability.

• Ability to train and motivate service staff.

• Passion for luxury hospitality, wine, and guest satisfaction.