- Wine Program Management:Develop and maintain an extensive and diverse wine list that complements the restaurant's cuisine and ambiance.
Regularly update and curate the wine selection, considering new vintages, trends, and customer preferences.
Collaborate with the chef to create wine pairings that enhance the flavors of the dishes and elevate the overall dining experience.
- Wine Service and Customer Relations:Act as the primary point of contact for guests seeking wine recommendations or assistance in selecting wines to complement their meals.
Provide expert knowledge on various wines, including grape varieties, regions, winemakers, and production techniques.
Conduct wine tastings and educate staff members on the wine list to ensure the entire team can confidently discuss wine options with guests.
- Inventory and Cellar Management:Manage the restaurant's wine inventory, ensuring proper storage, organization, and rotation to maintain wine quality and freshness.
Oversee wine purchasing, working closely with suppliers and negotiating favorable prices for high-quality wines.
Monitor stock levels, reordering wines as needed to avoid shortages and ensuring that popular selections are always available.
- Staff Training and Development:Train and mentor the restaurant staff, including servers, on wine knowledge, proper wine service techniques, and suggestive selling.
Conduct regular wine training sessions to keep the team up-to-date with the latest additions to the wine list and industry trends.
- Wine Events and Tastings:Organize and host wine tastings, wine dinners, and special events to showcase the restaurant's wine offerings and attract wine enthusiasts.
Collaborate with the restaurant's marketing team to promote wine-related events and initiatives.
- Budgeting and Cost Control:Prepare and manage the wine program's budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and profitability while maintaining high-quality selections.
Monitor wine costs and work to achieve the targeted cost percentage while delivering excellent value to customers.
- Regulatory Compliance:Ensure compliance with all relevant alcohol laws, regulations, and licensing requirements.
- Vendor and Winery Relations:Build and maintain relationships with wine distributors, wineries, and wine industry professionals to stay informed about new releases and opportunities.