Sommelier
Culinary Agents
Lake Forest, IL, USA
Posted on Jan 13, 2026
Job Details
Position: Wine Ambassador
Location: Fine Dining Restaurant in Lake Forrest, Illinois.
Compensation: $18/hour + tips from the service floor, 5 days a week.
Job Summary:
The Wine Ambassador is responsible for curating an exceptional wine experience for guests, ensuring seamless service, and driving wine sales through expert recommendations. This role requires deep wine knowledge, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to enhance the overall dining experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Wine Service & Sales
- Guide guests in selecting wines that complement their meals.
- Present and serve wine following proper etiquette and techniques.
- Upsell premium selections to maximize revenue and guest satisfaction.
- Wine Program Management
- Maintain an updated wine list and collaborate with the beverage director.
- Ensure proper storage, inventory, and rotation of wines.
- Guest Engagement & Education
- Provide detailed descriptions of wines, including tasting notes and origins.
- Conduct tableside tastings and educate guests on wine pairings.
- Build relationships with regular patrons to enhance loyalty and repeat business.
- Team Collaboration & Training
- Train service staff on wine knowledge and pairing techniques.
- Support the front-of-house team in delivering a seamless dining experience.
Qualifications:
- Passionate about wine and guest relationships.
- Certification from Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET Level 1+ preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a fine dining or upscale hospitality setting.
- Strong knowledge of wine regions, varietals, and tasting techniques.