What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wine Director position at The Estate Yountville?
WINE DIRECTOR/SOMMELIER
Yountville, CA
Nestled on 22 acres of breathtaking landscapes in the heart of Napa Valley, Estate Yountville is not only a luxurious retreat but has also been named one of the best hotels in California by Condé Nast Traveler in 2024. Voted the most beautiful boutique hotel in Napa Valley, the Estate is a true gem, offering 192 elegantly appointed guest rooms, a private vineyard, and world-class amenities. Guests enjoy two serene pools, a spa with 12 luxurious treatment rooms and suites, and over 55,000 square feet of exceptional event spaces. With culinary offerings that harmonize the bounty of Northern California with European elegance, Estate Yountville invites you to experience a haven of exclusivity and refined beauty.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Wine Director oversees all aspects of the wine program at the Estate Yountville restaurant, ensuring a world-class experience for our guests while aligning with our commitment to luxury, hospitality, and exceptional service. This leadership role is both strategic and hands-on, supporting the daily operations of the restaurant and collaborating closely with the culinary, service, and events teams to enhance the wine and dining experience.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Curate and maintain a dynamic, award-worthy wine list with an emphasis on Napa Valley and international selections.
- Oversee wine purchasing, inventory control, and vendor relationships, ensuring optimal cost and quality.
- Lead ongoing staff wine education, tastings, and certification programs to enhance team knowledge and service.
- Manage wine pairings for seasonal menus, special events, and chef’s tastings.
- Actively participate in daily restaurant operations, including service periods, pre-shift meetings, and team coaching.
- Support FOH management with floor coverage, guest interaction, and service recovery when needed.
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef and F&B leadership to ensure a seamless wine and culinary experience.
- Monitor wine service standards and ensure team compliance with all responsible alcohol service regulations.
- Build relationships with guests, guiding them through the wine list and offering personalized recommendations.
- Host wine dinners, winemaker events, and exclusive tastings to elevate the Estate experience.
- Identify opportunities to drive wine sales and increase average check through strategic programming.
- Maintain up-to-date wine menus, digital platforms, and POS systems.
- Analyze wine sales reports and adjust offerings accordingly to maximize profitability.
- Work closely with the GM and marketing team to promote the wine program through events, partnerships, and outreach.
- Foster a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and continuous improvement in line with Estate Yountville values.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum 3 years of experience as a Wine Director, Sommelier, or equivalent in a luxury or fine-dining environment.
- Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers) or equivalent preferred.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, teach, and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Exceptional guest service, communication, and wine sales abilities.
- Passion for wine, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences.
Hotel Villagio & Vintage House offer an attractive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Hotel Villagio and Vintage House are equal opportunity employers (Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans)
https://www.theestateyountville.com/
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