Wine Director

THE UMSTEAD HOTEL & SPA•Cary, NC

35d•$90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The position of Wine Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and execution of the overall Wine Program at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, including the fine dining restaurant Herons and the Banquet Department. This role ensures the highest standards of quality, profitability, and guest satisfaction while maintaining the integrity and prestige of the wine program. The Wine Director oversees wine procurement, inventory management, pricing strategy, cellar organization, staff education, and guest engagement. This individual will curate exceptional wine pairings for Herons, collaborate with culinary leadership on seasonal menu development, and lead wine experiences and hosted events for banquet and private functions. The Wine Director will inspire without intimidating, demonstrating deep knowledge of wine while creating an approachable and memorable experience for guests. This leader will drive sales performance, foster team development, and maintain strong relationships with vendors and purveyors.

Requirements

Advanced-level certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers or equivalent preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive wine leadership experience in luxury or fine dining environments.
Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, inventory management, and cost controls.
Exceptional communication and guest engagement skills.
Proven ability to lead and inspire teams.
Extensive knowledge of global wine regions, varietals, vintages, and industry trends.
Experience hosting wine dinners and educational events.
Reflect the Umstead Vision and Values through professionalism and example.
Lead by example with integrity, passion, and accountability.
Demonstrate strong organizational and strategic planning skills.
Create a culture of excellence, sales growth, and continuous improvement.
Communicate clearly and effectively with culinary, service, and executive leadership teams.
Uphold all hotel safety and security policies, procedures, and health code standards for guests and associates.
Ensure responsible alcohol service and compliance with all local and state regulations

Responsibilities

Wine Program Leadership Oversee and curate the entire wine program for Herons and Banquet operations.
Develop, maintain, and update the wine list to reflect seasonality, culinary direction, and market trends.
Design and execute wine pairing programs for tasting menus and special events at Herons.
Establish wine pricing strategies to achieve financial goals while maintaining value perception.
Maintain proper cellar organization, storage standards, and inventory controls.
Conduct monthly inventories and manage cost controls, pour standards, and loss prevention.
Purchasing & Vendor Relations Lead all wine ordering and procurement processes.
Build and maintain strong relationships with distributors and wineries.
Audit purveyor tastings and pricing to ensure consistency and competitive positioning.
Negotiate pricing and allocations for rare and allocated wines.
Banquet & Event Oversight Collaborate with the Banquet Department to curate wine selections for events.
Host wine dinners, tastings, and special wine-focused experiences.
Provide on-site leadership and oversight for high-profile banquet functions.
Develop customized wine pairings for private events and corporate functions.
Training & Team Development Develop and conduct ongoing wine education programs for Food & Beverage associates.
Train service staff in wine knowledge, responsible beverage service, and proper service standards.
Mentor sommeliers and service leaders to enhance salesmanship and guest engagement.
Ensure all team members are knowledgeable and confident in discussing wine at various price points.
Guest Experience Engage with guests to provide thoughtful and knowledgeable wine recommendations.
Elevate the dining experience through storytelling and personalized service.
Maintain a presence on the floor during peak service periods to support team and guest needs.
Operational Support Provide restaurant leadership coverage when needed.
Assist in daily Food & Beverage operations including seating, greeting guests, service recovery, and quality control.
Support overall service standards in alignment with luxury dining expectations.