Dining Room Sommelier in Linville, North Carolina at Grandfather Golf and Country Club

The Dining Room Sommelier plays a key role in elevating the member dining experience through warm hospitality, confident wine service, and thoughtful beverage recommendations. This position is highly visible on the dining room floor and serves as a trusted resource for members, guests, servers, bartenders, and management.

The ideal candidate is service-minded, polished, approachable, and passionate about wine education. This role requires more than wine knowledge; it requires the ability to read the room, engage members naturally, support the service team, and help create memorable dining experiences without making the interaction feel overly formal or intimidating.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Member & Guest Experience

• Actively work the dining room floor during service, engaging with members and guests in a warm, professional, and approachable manner.
• Assist members and guests with wine selections based on preferences, food pairings, occasion, budget, and prior dining history.
• Present wine recommendations confidently while avoiding overly technical or pretentious language.
• Build relationships with members by learning their preferences, favorite wines, special occasions, and service expectations.
• Support elevated service standards through proper wine presentation, opening, decanting, and tableside service.
• Assist with special requests, celebrations, and VIP member experiences.

Wine Service & Pairings

• Recommend wines by the glass, bottle, and reserve selections that complement menu offerings.
• Partner with the culinary team and the Beverage Manager to understand menu changes, seasonal ingredients, and pairing opportunities.
• Assist with wine pairings for daily features, tasting menus, special dinners, and club events.
• Ensure wines are served at the correct temperature and in appropriate glassware.
• Monitor wine service flow and assist servers with bottle presentation, corkage, decanting, and member questions.

Team Support & Training

• Serve as an on-floor resource for servers, bartenders, and managers during service.
• Provide pre-shift wine education, including featured wines, tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and selling points.
• Coach service staff on approachable wine language, proper service steps, and confidence in recommending wines.
• Assist with new team member training related to wine service standards.
• Help create a culture of beverage knowledge, curiosity, and continuous improvement.

Beverage Program Support

• Assist the Beverage Manager with wine list maintenance, inventory organization, cellar upkeep, and product rotation.
• Communicate member feedback, wine preferences, sales trends, and product opportunities to the Beverage Manager.
• Help identify slow-moving wines, high-demand selections, and potential by-the-glass opportunities.
• Support wine dinners, tastings, educational events, and member programming.
• Assist with vendor tastings and product evaluations when requested.
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and professionalism in wine storage areas, service stations, and display areas.

Service & Operational Support

• Remain actively present during peak dining periods, supporting the floor wherever needed.
• Assist with dining room service when appropriate, including greeting members, supporting servers, running beverages, or helping resolve service needs.
• Partner with managers to ensure smooth communication between the dining room, bar, kitchen, and beverage team.
• Follow all club policies, alcohol service laws, safety procedures, and service standards.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in fine dining, upscale casual dining, private clubs, luxury hotels, or high-end restaurant environments preferred.
• Wine certification preferred, such as CMS Introductory Sommelier, WSET Level 2 or higher, or equivalent experience.
• Strong working knowledge of wine regions, varietals, producers, food pairings, proper service, and cellar practices.
• Ability to explain wine in a clear, approachable, and member-friendly way.
• Excellent communication, hospitality, and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable working on the floor during active service periods.
• Ability to remain calm, polished, and professional in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be of legal age to serve alcohol and comply with all applicable alcohol service regulations.
• Private club experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and safely move wine cases, glassware, and service equipment.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as required.