at City Winery in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
About Us
Wine, food, and live entertainment collide at City Winery to create a dynamic and incredibly unique workplace. Since 2008, City Winery has been turning heads across the nation with amazing live performances, delectable cuisine, and award-winning, locally produced wines. But there’s more to us than that – we’re a haven for community and creativity, a place where the philosophy of hospitality is more than just a buzzword, but a way of life.
Who are you?
You have a passion for music, a love of wine, and a deep respect for hospitality. You know how to connect with people, but you’re not just a people pleaser – you thrive under pressure and love making quick decisions that impact the business and culture. You know you have more to learn and are always looking for ways to grow, both personally and professionally. With an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to be a part of something bigger, you want to join a brand and culture that not only makes a difference, but also helps others INDULGE THEIR SENSES.
Who are we?
City Winery, founded by music industry veteran & visionary Michael Dorf, has established itself as a one-of-a-kind brand providing unforgettable experiences for guests. From world-class music venues to sustainably produced wines with ratings of 90+ points, City Winery offers a range of top-notch events & experiences.
Why us?
Competitive pay (including commission for this role) plus generous benefits. An atmosphere of learning, development & enrichment opportunities. A career trajectory within a growing company with abundant opportunities for advancement. A fun team of passionate individuals who share your love of hospitality and the opportunity to provide guests with unforgettable nights filled with music & wine. Comped concerts and dining experiences, employee merchandise and meal discounts, FREE family meal, 401K Retirement Plan, Volunteer Opportunities, Flexible Spending Accounts including pre-tax commuter benefits and parking & more depending on position and other Company eligibility requirements.
Position Summary
Sommeliers are in-house wine and beverage experts whose focus is on maximizing overall beverage sales and delivering an exceptional guest experience. The Somm is responsible for overall guest service and satisfaction, recommending wine and food pairings, educating guests on beverage selections, and beverage department support in areas such as monthly inventory. Specific certifications are not required, but a strong fundamental knowledge of the wine regions of the world – both Old and New World – along with producer familiarity and vintage knowledge is mandatory. The most essential component to be a successful Sommelier will be the earnest desire to propel the wine program forward through clear communication and organization, a curiosity to learn more, and a willingness to share our expertise with guests and staff in a helpful, thoughtful way.
Minimum Qualifications
+ 2+ years sommelier experience in a fast-paced restaurant
+ Extensive knowledge of and a genuine love for wine, winemaking, beer and spirits
+ Ability to consistently deliver high-quality guest experiences, exceed guest expectations, and strive to create a memorable experience at every City Winery visit
+ Strong work ethic, team player, and exceptional guest service skills
+ Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
+ Polished presentation
+ Ability to take direction from others and accept constructive criticism
+ Effective communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build positive relationships with coworkers and guests
+ Aptitude to resolve problems
+ Must be fluently literate in English including ability to read, write, and communicate, conduct basic business related mathematics, able to accurately function a POS
+ Ability to work a flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends, and holidays
+ Ability to perform physical requirements of the role including standing/walking for entirety of shift, bending, pulling, pushing, using stairs, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds
Overview of Responsibilities
+ Maintain a clean, well-organized wine cellar in accordance with company standards
+ Recommend wine and beverage pairings to guests; upsell both tableside offerings and retail wine offerings for guests to take home
+ Keep staff abreast of beverage changes on the wine list
+ Assist with monthly inventory
+ Know about and defend our product brands
+ Know and be able to identify table and seat numbers
+ Maintain station cleanliness
+ Knowledge of cocktail list – drinks, specs, flavor profiles
+ Knowledge of WBTG facts – producer, variety, region, vintage, flavor profiles, history
+ Know the proper standard for opening bottles of wine and tableside service
+ Be warm, knowledgeable, and noticeably appreciative towards guests
+ Accommodate guests by making each individual feel welcomed
+ Act professionally and always maintain composure
+ Identify and report problems to management immediately
+ Be aware of service flow, dining timing, and be able to adjust for each guest’s individual needs
+ Implement and follow steps of service
+ Respond to the needs of the guests, taking orders, running food, and bussing tables
+ Oversee activities of your team in the station
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at City Winery. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, City Winery participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.
