At a Glance
- Tasks: Curate wine lists, guide guests, and train teams in a luxury hotel setting.
- Company: Sopwell House, a family-owned Georgian country house hotel in Hertfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, discounts, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the wine experience at a five-star property and share your passion for hospitality.
- Qualifications: Proven sommelier experience and WSET Level 3 or above preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Full-time position, 40 hours
Up to £45,000 per annum, includes service charge
Your country home away from home, nestled within 12 acres of picturesque Hertfordshire countryside.
Sopwell House is a luxurious, family-owned Georgian country house hotel offering timeless elegance and modern comfort.
We're proud to be a place where exceptional service is delivered with warmth, pride and purpose.
At Sopwell House, we live by our Vision, Purpose and Values.
We are dedicated to creating a world of 'Perfect Contentment' for both our team members and guests alike, 'Spreading kindness one act at a time' along the way.
Our team pride themselves on 'Performing with Drive and Serving with Soul' in everything we do.
We are looking for a passionate and knowledgeable Sommelier to lead the wine experience across our two award-winning, full-service restaurants, while lending expert support to our hotel bar.
This is a rare opportunity for a talented wine professional to shape the beverage journey of a five-star property, working with an exceptional cellar, ambitious menus and a team who share a genuine love of hospitality.
Your role in our family
- Curate and continually develop the wine lists for both restaurants and the hotel bar, tailored to each outlet's concept and cuisine.
- Guide guests through thoughtful, memorable wine and food pairings, delivering genuine five-star service.
- Take ownership of the wine cellar and beverage stock, from sourcing and supplier relationships to storage and inventory.
- Train and inspire the restaurant and bar teams, raising wine knowledge and service standards across the board.
- Host tastings, pairing dinners and masterclasses that bring our wine story to life for guests.
- Support the hotel bar with your expertise, helping shape its evolving drinks offering.
- Manage beverage costs and margins, playing a key role in the commercial success of the department.
What we're looking for
- Proven sommelier or senior wine experience in a luxury hotel, fine-dining or premium hospitality setting.
- WSET Level 3 or above, or Court of Master Sommeliers qualification, preferred (or working towards).
- A genuine passion for wine, hospitality and guest experience, with an excellent palate.
- A confident communicator and natural mentor, comfortable leading and training a team.
- A meticulous, commercially minded approach to cellar and stock management.
The best bit
- Learning and Development: Access our digital learning platform, and various courses to enhance your knowledge and skills
- Health & Wellbeing: Benefit from our interactive health and wellbeing platform and Employee Assistance Program.
- Health care cash plans: take advantage of our Health Care cash plan benefits, including 24-hours access to a GP.
- Discounted food and beverage, accommodation and spa for you and your family
- Discounts on Spa treatments and Spa days in our award-winning Cottonmill Spa
- Discount on Spa products
- Refer a Friend Scheme: earn up to £1,000 referral fee when you recommend someone to work with us
- Preferred Hotel Group discounted global hotel rates
- Free staff meals and parking
- Equal Opportunities
We're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know at tamanager@sopwellhouse. co. uk
Right to Work
Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK. Proof of documentation will be required in line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
Next Steps
If you're shortlisted, we'll give you a quick call to learn more about you and answer your questions.
Candidates who progress will then be invited to the hotel for an in-person interview.
We review applications as they come in, so apply early to avoid missing out.
We may close the role once we've found the right person.
Please be advised that if you have not received a response within 14 days, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
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Sommelier in St Albans employer: Sopwell House
Sopwell House is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and craftsmanship are celebrated. Located in the picturesque St Albans, our hotel provides not only competitive salaries but also a range of employee benefits, including discounts and comprehensive training opportunities to foster personal and professional growth. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that takes pride in enhancing guest experiences through high-quality workmanship.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sommelier in St Albans
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Sopwell House. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sopwell House
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sopwell House directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Sommelier in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Sopwell House and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sopwell House
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
