At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Sommelier, showcasing your wine expertise and enhancing customer experiences.
- Company: Petersham Nurseries is a charming café and online wine merchant in Richmond, specialising in fine Italian wines.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours and the chance to work in a beautiful greenhouse setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team, share your love for wine, and contribute to a unique dining experience.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years of wine experience and WSET Level 2 or equivalent required.
- Other info: Opportunity to train staff and manage an impressive wine cellar.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Sommelier Team Opportunities
Head Sommelier – Assistant Sommelier – Junior Sommelier
Petersham Nurseries is seeking passionate, service-driven Sommeliers to join our award-winning restaurant teams in our Richmond & Notting Hill Locations. Whether you are an experienced Head Sommelier, an accomplished Assistant Sommelier, or an ambitious Junior Sommelier ready to grow, this is an opportunity to work with one of London’s most distinctive wine programmes, rooted in Italian heritage, seasonal cooking, and exceptional hospitality.
Working alongside our Restaurant leadership and Petersham Cellar, you will play a key role in delivering thoughtful, confident wine service, building guest relationships, and contributing to a culture of learning, excellence, and warmth.
About the Role
Depending on experience, you will:
- Act as a brand ambassador for the Petersham wine collection
- Deliver confident, informed wine service that enhances the guest experience
- Recommend food and wine pairings in close collaboration with chefs and front-of-house teams
- Support and develop wine knowledge across the service team through tastings, briefings, and mentoring
- Ensure wines are served correctly, stored properly, and presented with care and attention to detail
- Assist with cellar organisation, stock control, inventory, and supplier liaison
- Liaise with Petersham Cellar on Wine List Developments, tasting notes, and seasonal updates
- Support events, private dining, and special tastings
- For senior roles: lead service standards, training, sales performance, and stock accountability
What We’re Looking For
- A genuine passion for wine, hospitality, and service
- Strong customer-facing skills with confidence engaging guests
- Interest or experience in Italian wines and regions
- WSET Level 2 minimum (or working towards) for junior roles; higher levels welcomed for senior positions
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, detail-focused environment
- Organised, calm, and professional under pressure
- Willingness to learn, share knowledge, and grow within the role
- Flexibility to work weekends, bank holidays, and evenings
What We Offer
- A supportive, knowledgeable team environment with clear progression
- Hands-on involvement with an evolving, quality-driven wine programme
- Regular tastings, training, and development opportunities
- The chance to work within a values-led business focused on sustainability, seasonality, and craft
- Competitive pay, staff benefits, and long-term growth potential
We look forward to hearing from you.
This role may be closed depending on recruitment needs.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Sommelier employer: Petersham Nurseries - Richmond
Contact Detail:
Petersham Nurseries - Richmond Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sommelier
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the wine industry, especially those who have experience with Italian wines. Attend wine tastings, events, or workshops to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the latest trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Petersham Nurseries and their wine offerings. Understanding their unique selling points and customer base will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current wine trends and news, particularly regarding Italian wines. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in customer service and how you've successfully upsold wines or managed a wine cellar. Real-life examples will showcase your skills and fit for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Sommelier
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Sommelier, particularly your knowledge of Italian wines and any certifications like WSET Level 2 or higher. Emphasise your customer service skills and any previous roles that involved wine pairing or training staff.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for wine and the hospitality industry. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to enhance customer service and sales through your wine knowledge. Be sure to express your enthusiasm for working at Petersham Nurseries Café.
Showcase Your Knowledge: In your application, include examples of how you've successfully managed a wine cellar, conducted tastings, or trained staff on wine recommendations. This will show that you have the practical experience needed for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the role of a Sommelier.
How to prepare for a job interview at Petersham Nurseries - Richmond
✨Showcase Your Wine Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience with different wines, especially Italian varieties. Highlight any specific regions or producers you are familiar with, and be ready to answer questions about wine pairings and serving techniques.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role emphasises exceptional customer service, think of examples from your past experiences where you went above and beyond for a customer. Be ready to explain how you handle feedback and maintain relationships with patrons.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face practical questions or scenarios during the interview. This could involve recommending a wine for a specific dish or explaining how you would manage the wine cellar. Practise these scenarios to show your problem-solving skills.
✨Express Your Passion for Wine
Let your enthusiasm for wine shine through. Talk about what excites you about the industry, any recent tastings you've attended, or trends you've noticed. This will help convey your commitment to the role and the business.