Brad Metzger Restaurant Solutions
Wine Director – New Restaurant Opening! Napa County CA
Salary: $80000 – $90000
Very exciting new restaurant coming soon to an esteemed region of Napa County wine country is looking for a world-class Wine Director to join the team! In collaboration with senior leadership, this role will help build out the opening wine program and will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the program once the restaurant is open. The Wine Director will also spearhead ordering, inventory, tastings, training/education of staff, in addition to maintaining a strong presence on the floor during service. This person must be very hands-on with service and training, and comfortable engaging with guests regularly to build relationships and drive wine sales. A collaborative leadership style, deep understanding of luxury service/hospitality, and a track record of creating/maintaining successful wine programs is essential. A Level 1 or 2 Sommelier certification is required for this role. This is an amazing opportunity for a passionate, experienced wine professional to be instrumental to the success of an exciting new restaurant!
Responsibilities & Candidate Qualifications:
- 3+ years’ experience as a Wine Director, Beverage Director, Master/Lead Sommelier, Bar Director, Wine Manager, or comparable wine management role in a full-service, chef driven, upscale or fine-dining restaurant environment is required
- Level 1 or 2 Sommelier certification is required
- High service pedigree is highly preferred, any experience in Michelin, Forbes, or James Beard recognized concepts is ideal
- Luxury hotel backgrounds with a high service pedigree are also ideal
- Extensive wine knowledge; including characteristics, producers, wineries, regions, varietals, food pairings, and service
- Ability to manage inventory while maximizing profitability
- Actively participate in daily restaurant operations, including service periods, pre-shift meetings, and team coaching
- Regularly support FOH management with floor coverage, guest interaction, and service recovery
- In touch with the fine dining scene and excited to continue to grow and change with the times
- Passionate, hands-on leader
- Financially savvy with a strong understanding of wine COGS, finances, and inventory management
- Ability to thrive in a hands-on, high-touch service environment
- Creative and collaborative mindset
- Knowledge of Food & Beverage service, spirits & cocktails, creating and developing, cost control, labor control, maintenance, merchandising & accounting
- Must have a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Passion and dedication to consistently educate the team and guests on beverage offerings, pairings and tasting notes
- Commitment to creating a welcoming, memorable, and unique guest experience
- Excellent problem-solving skills and always puts the guest first
- Detail oriented – especially product quality and safety, sanitation, and cleanliness
- Ability to create strong relationships with guests and staff
- Highly organized and efficient
- Clear communicator and strong listener
- Understands and analyzes costs and inventory and course corrects as needed
- Maintain health, safety and sanitation standards
- Understand and comply with CA labor laws
Compensation Package Includes:
- Base Salary in the $80-90k range DOE
- Future Commission Structure
- Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits
- 401k
- PTO Plan
- Complimentary Meals
- Cell Phone Reimbursement
- Dry Cleaning
- Potential Relocation Assistance