Sommelier

Blackberry Farm•Aurora, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business. The Sommelier is a salaried leadership role that works closely with an expansive spirits and wine program, engaging in daily tastings with guests and providing in-restaurant service. This role focuses on connecting guests with small, independent producers of spirits and wine to create memorable and elevated dining experiences. On a daily basis, the Sommelier consistently tastes and builds knowledge of wines from boutique producers across regions including California, Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and beyond. Throughout the year, the role also includes regular opportunities to engage with wine producers and chefs from around the world through food and wine–focused events featured within the program. This role collaborates daily with the front-of-house service team to lead and support bar, lounge, and dinner service, ensuring a high-quality and cohesive guest experience across all service areas. Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, Relais & Châteaux properties located in the Great Smoky Mountains, continue the traditions of unparalleled hospitality and luxury that have always been the hallmark of the Blackberry brand. Combining land conservation, modern-day luxuries, and captivating natural setting, the two resorts create vacation experiences unlike any other. Activities abound at Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain offering the opportunity for every guest to create an ideal experience to enjoy the properties and the region, whether they’re seeking the thrill of adventure, the relaxation of a spa immersion, or quality time around the table enjoying celebrated cuisine. A career at Blackberry means being surrounded by a welcoming and supportive team who strive each day toward common goals: legendary hospitality, memorable experiences and generational sustainability. From ensuring our guests have a memorable stay to providing renowned cuisine, Blackberry provides career-defining opportunities, a comprehensive benefits program, and the tools to explore and grow your career. Some of our benefits include travel perks and property benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid time off with additional paid holidays, health insurance and flexible spending accounts, 401k match with profit share and training and education. Blackberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Must be able to work with a large team, cooperatively, positively towards our goal of excellent service and support of one another in that pursuit
Experience in the hospitality industry in a fine dining restaurant is preferred
Great base knowledge of wine and spirits is necessary to excel in this role
Proper e-mail and verbal communication etiquette is necessary to excel in this role – within the company and one on one with our guests and team members
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must be able to be on feet for an extended period of time for pre-service and service role
Must be able to operate a company vehicle or golf cart safely
Must comply with all company policies and procedures.
Regular and consistent attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.
Must be able to work well with other Team Members, Managers, and interact with our guests.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the hospitality industry in a fine dining restaurant is preferred

Responsibilities

Lead daily wine and spirits tastings for our guests to educate them on small batch producers of spirits and boutique wine makers from around the world
Provide memorable service to our guests as a floor sommelier, helping them find the best selections for their dining experience
Daily restock of wines in our Cellars and wine storage areas
Supporting the front of house service team during service – one team, one goal – great service
As a team, help to train the service staff on wines, spirits, and cocktails
Participate in monthly and yearly beverage inventory counts as assigned