Wine Director - Baltaire

BALTAIRE•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$90,000 - $95,000

About The Position

As the Wine Director, you will be responsible for the wine program at Balatire. You will use your extensive knowledge of wine to guide and educate our guests on wine selections, pairings, and overall wine service. Your expertise in wine and exceptional service skills will elevate our guests' dining experience and contribute to the success of our establishment. Off the restaurant floor, you will lead the enhancement of Baltaire's wine program. Your meticulous attention to detail will aid in keeping our wine cellar and other storage locations clean, tidy and organized. You will ensure systems for cleanliness, organization and storage for all wine storage areas. Your role will support our service team through education and training sessions, empowering and encouraging others around you to take an active role in the beverage program. In this role, you will be an active member of the Baltaire Leadership Team and would assist with running shifts as a manager by supporting the restaurant managers and operations. You will report to the Baltaire General Manager regarding your schedule that will be based on the restaurant business needs.

Requirements

Minimum of 7 years in a service-oriented position within a fine dining restaurant.
Extensive knowledge of wine regions, varietals, production methods and wine service etiquette.
Excellent sensory skills for wine tasting, including the ability to identify flavors, aromas, and characteristics of different wines.
Strong customer service skills, with the ability to provide personalized recommendations to guests.
Strong organizational and time management skills with a particular attention to detail.
Ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.

Nice To Haves

Certification through a recognized wine program such as the Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with the hiring and training of all new Sommeliers.
Continue to drive and develop Wine Training and Education Programs
Assist in training and mentoring staff in wine knowledge and service techniques.
Continual wine education and knowledge of industry trends.
Continue to develop our Sommelier's, Assistant Sommelier's and all talent interested in enhancing their wine knowledge.
Ensure a thorough knowledge of the wine list, both by the glass and by the bottle.
Continue to oversee the daily wine program at Baltaire.
Must be available to work irregular hours, shifts, weekends, special events and holidays.
Ensure that the proper equipment is cleaned, stocked and ready for use for wine service, this includes, but is not limited to, glassware, decanters, wine keys, coravin supplies, wine lists and bottle liners.
Assist guests and colleagues with wine selections while in service.
Present and pour bottles of wine with proper wine service.
Walk with graceful efficiency through the dining room to assist with service demands.
Support the service team to ensure guest needs/requirements are met in a timely manner.
Ensure correct and professional wine service standards are maintained throughout service.
Provide exceptional customer service throughout the restaurant.
Coordinate with service captains to ensure that private event wine service is flawless.
Ensure 86'd items are recorded to achieve accuracy within printed menus.
Maintain proper inventory stocking of wines in various storage areas around the facility.
Lead the development of new wine programs and enhance current wine programs.
Continually find ways to improve our wine programs overall.
Find ways to improve wine sales
Develop wine sales building objectives for the company.
Develop wine cellar management systems.
Build relationships with wineries and distributors to leverage the best deals and access.
Financial knowledge of the P&L wine cost and sales and finding ways to improve these.
Ensure proper Inventory Procedures are followed.