SUMMARY:
Key criteria is that they currently create wine lists and do the wine costings.
POSITION INFO:
Every memorable meal deserves the perfect pour.
At The President Hotel, exceptional Food & Beverage experiences are central to our journey toward luxury. Wine is not an afterthought, it is an integral part of storytelling, pairing, and elevating the guest dining experience across our high-volume, luxury-focused hotel environment.
With its iconic oceanfront setting, vibrant dining spaces, and reputation as one of Cape Town’s most loved hotels, The President Hotel continues to refine and elevate every aspect of the guest journey. As we grow our culinary and beverage identity, expert wine leadership plays a defining role in shaping memorable dining moments.
This is not simply a service position. The Sommelier is responsible for curating and managing a refined wine programme, driving revenue, training service teams, and delivering polished, intuitive wine engagement across all outlets.
You will feel right at home in this role if you bring recognised wine qualifications, proven Sommelier experience within luxury hotels or fine dining environments, and the ability to combine deep technical knowledge with confident, refined hospitality presence.
Minimum Requirements
- Valid South African ID or valid work permit
- Matric (Grade 12) – essential
- Recognised wine qualification (WSET Level 2 or 3, Cape Wine Academy Diploma, or equivalent)
- Minimum 3 years’ recent Sommelier experience within luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, or premium wine estates
- Exceptional knowledge of South African wines
- Strong tasting ability and pairing expertise
- Confident and professional guest interaction skills
- Experience training and mentoring service teams
- Familiarity with Micros POS and wine inventory systems
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays
- CV must be fully updated prior to submission
Key Responsibilities
Wine Programme & List Management
Curate, manage, and continuously refine a balanced and innovative wine list. Create and manage wine costings, margins, and pricing structures in collaboration with the Food & Beverage Manager. Ensure wine offerings align with the hotel’s luxury positioning and dining concepts. Collaborate with the Executive Chef on pairing menus and signature experiences.
Guest Experience & Service Excellence
Guide guests with expert recommendations on wines, vintages, regions, and pairings. Deliver polished, confident wine service with a strong luxury presence. Conduct tastings, activations, and educational wine experiences to enhance guest engagement and satisfaction.
Training & Team Development
Train, mentor, and uplift the Food & Beverage team in wine knowledge and service techniques. Support service teams during peak periods with on-floor expertise. Ensure wine service standards are consistently applied across all outlets.
Stock Control & Supplier Management
Ensure correct storage, rotation, cellar organisation, and stock control. Maintain accurate wine inventory using Micros POS and inventory systems. Build and maintain strong relationships with wine suppliers, distributors, and estates. Drive revenue through premium offerings and upselling strategies.
Compliance & Operational Standards
Uphold hygiene, safety, and operational standards at all times. Ensure compliance with hotel policies and Food & Beverage procedures.
Key Skills & Attributes
- Exceptional wine knowledge and technical expertise
- Strong luxury service presence and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and guest engagement skills
- Commercial awareness with cost control focus
- Organised, disciplined, and detail-oriented
- Passion for wine, hospitality, and guest experience
Why Work With Us
- Be part of a hotel committed to sincere, memorable hospitality
- Work within a luxury-focused Food & Beverage environment
- Opportunity to shape and elevate wine service at a flagship Cape Town hotel
- Competitive salary and employee benefits, including medical aid and pension fund contributions
Recruitment is aligned with the company’s Employment Equity Plan.
Join a team where excellence meets passion and help define the wine experience at Cape Town’s most loved hotel.
