Sommelier

Job Description

Role Overview

As a Sommelier at Banyan Tree Dubai, you are responsible for creating exceptional beverage experiences by providing expert wine knowledge, personalised recommendations, and attentive service to our guests. You will enhance the dining experience through your passion for wines, strong product knowledge, and ability to curate memorable moments.

You are a key ambassador of the Banyan Tree brand, delivering refined, knowledgeable, and personalised service while ensuring the highest standards of beverage excellence across the resort’s dining venues.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Wine Experience & Service Excellence

• Provide personalised wine recommendations based on guest preferences, menu selections, and dining occasions.
• Guide guests through wine selections with confidence, professionalism, and engaging storytelling.
• Present, open, and serve wines according to luxury hospitality standards.
• Ensure proper wine service techniques, including temperature control, decanting, and glassware selection.
• Create memorable guest experiences through thoughtful recommendations and exceptional service.
• Respond to guest questions regarding wine origins, grape varieties, regions, and pairings.

Wine Pairing & Menu Collaboration

• Recommend wine pairings that complement menu offerings and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Work closely with Culinary and Food & Beverage teams to develop and maintain wine pairing suggestions.
• Support menu launches, special events, tastings, and wine-focused experiences.
• Stay updated on culinary trends, wine regions, vintages, and emerging producers.
• Share wine knowledge with colleagues to elevate overall service standards.

Wine Inventory & Cellar Management

• Maintain excellent knowledge of the resort’s wine portfolio, including availability, pricing, vintages, and storage requirements.
• Ensure wines are stored correctly according to temperature, humidity, and handling standards.
• Support wine inventory management, stock rotation, and cellar organisation.
• Monitor stock levels and communicate replenishment requirements.
• Assist with receiving, checking, and storing wine deliveries in line with standards.

Sales & Revenue Support

• Promote wine selections, premium offerings, and beverage experiences to enhance guest satisfaction and revenue opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to upsell through knowledgeable and personalised recommendations.
• Support wine promotions, tastings, and special beverage events.
• Maintain awareness of guest preferences to encourage repeat experiences.

Training & Team Support

• Provide ongoing wine education and guidance to Food & Beverage colleagues.
• Support team members in developing confidence in wine service and recommendations.
• Participate in beverage training sessions and professional development programmes.
• Work closely with Restaurant Managers, Outlet Leaders, and Culinary teams to ensure seamless service delivery.

Operational Standards & Compliance

• Ensure all wine service follows luxury hospitality standards and responsible alcohol service guidelines.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of wine service areas, equipment, and storage facilities.
• Follow all resort policies, health, safety, and hygiene procedures.
• Maintain guest confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned by management to support the effective operation of the department.

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience as a Sommelier within a luxury hotel, resort, fine dining restaurant, or premium hospitality environment.
• Recognised wine qualification such as WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, or equivalent certification preferred.
• Strong knowledge of international wines, grape varieties, regions, and food pairing principles.
• Experience delivering wine service in a high-end dining environment.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and educate guests.
• Good spoken English; additional languages are an advantage.
• Passion for wine, gastronomy, and creating exceptional guest experiences.

Competencies

• Strong guest-focused mindset
• Excellent wine knowledge and passion for beverages
• Refined communication and storytelling skills
• Attention to detail
• Confident and engaging personality
• Strong sales and recommendation skills
• Team collaboration
• Professional presentation and etiquette
• Ability to remain composed in a luxury dining environment
• Commitment to delivering exceptional service standards

Additional Information

Why Join Us: At Banyan Tree Dubai, you will be part of a globally recognised luxury hospitality brand committed to exceptional service, sustainability and wellbeing. We provide opportunities for professional growth within an inspiring environment where genuine care for our guests and colleagues is at the heart of everything we do.