Sommelier

Position Overview 

The Sommelier is the property's foremost wine authority — a distinguished specialist at the epicenter of the property's beverage identity and dining excellence. As an expert curator of the wine program, the Sommelier creates transformative guest experiences through masterful wine knowledge, artful tableside service, and a genuine passion for education and storytelling. This individual is the steward of one of the hotel's most celebrated assets — its cellar — and shapes the narrative of every bottle poured.

Beyond expert-level command of wine, this role carries a strong working knowledge of mixology, spirits, and craft beverage culture, enabling the Sommelier to collaborate fluently with the Beverage Manager on an integrated, property-wide beverage program. In alignment with Forbes Five-Star and LQA standards, the Sommelier provides unobtrusive, anticipatory, and deeply personalized beverage service that enhances the entire dining experience. The ideal candidate brings recognized advanced credentials, international cellar experience, and charisma/charm and emotional intelligence to connect with guests ranging from seasoned connoisseurs to curious novices.

Expert Wine Program Curation & Cellar Management

• Curate, develop, and maintain a world-class wine list and program across all dining outlets, bars, in-room dining, and private events; minimum inventory of 500+ SKUs encompassing Old World, New World, rare, and emerging wine regions.
• Manage all cellar operations including procurement, receiving, rotation, proper storage, and perpetual inventory; maintain the cellar to Forbes Five-Star standards of temperature control, organization, and presentation.
• Build and cultivate relationships with top-tier importers, distributors, négociants, and estates; source exclusive allocations, library wines, and limited-production labels to differentiate the property's portfolio.
• Author the wine list, tasting notes, and pairing recommendations ensuring accuracy, elegance of language, and accessibility for guests across all levels of wine knowledge.
• Design and execute wine pairing dinners, vertical tastings, cellar tours, winemaker events, masterclasses, and bespoke guest experiences aligned with the property's 'sense of place' philosophy.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and culinary team on menu engineering, seasonal food-and-wine pairing concepts, and special event programming.

Beverage & Mixology Collaboration

• Apply strong working knowledge of mixology, spirits categories, and craft beverage culture to partner with the Beverage Manager on a unified, property-wide beverage narrative.
• Contribute wine-adjacent expertise to cocktail development — vermouth, sherry, Champagne, and fortified wine applications — bridging the cellar and the bar.
• Support spirits tastings, bar activations, and integrated beverage events as a knowledgeable, collaborative beverage professional.
• Cross-train bar teams on wine fundamentals while developing personal fluency in the property's cocktail and spirits programs.
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Guest Service & Forbes/LQA Standards

• Deliver Forbes Five-Star beverage service: present wine lists promptly and graciously; open bottles tableside with precision; pour with elegance; decant where appropriate; refill within one minute of the guest's glass being empty.
• Engage guests in genuine, educational, and non-intimidating conversation about wines and spirits; provide pairing suggestions tailored to individual taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and occasion.
• Recall and anticipate returning guests' preferences; maintain guest preference profiles in the PMS for proactive personalization at every visit.
• Ensure all service standards comply with LQA audit criteria: wine served at proper temperature; correct glassware employed; knowledgeable and enthusiastic narrative at tableside.
• Partner with management in resolving guest concerns related to beverage service with grace, empathy, and swift resolution.

Team Development & Administration

• Develop and deliver ongoing wine and spirits education and training programs for all F&B associates; elevate the team's overall beverage literacy and upselling capabilities.
• Mentor and prepare food and beverage staff for Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory and Certified level examinations.
• Maintain accurate beverage inventory records, conduct periodic par-level audits, and assist in monthly beverage cost analysis and reporting.
• Oversee POS accuracy for wine items, menu pricing strategy, and by-the-glass and bottle program profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all liquor licensing regulations, responsible alcohol service practices, and health and safety requirements.

Location: Viceroy Snowmass - Snowmass Village, CO

Start Date: ASAP

Employment Type: Non-Exempt, Full Time Year Round

Schedule: Flexible schedule, some nights, some weekends and some holidays possible

Pay Rate: $26.00 to $28.00 per hour

Benefits & Perks:

    Health Insurance - Choose from three plans!

    Dental, Vision, & Accident Insurance

    401(K) Plan with Employer Match Life Insurance

    Ski Pass or Equivalent Bonus

    Paid Time Off & Paid Sick Time

    Career Development Trainings

    Discounts at Eye Pieces & Venture Sports

    Sabbatical Program

    $500 Referral Program

    Employee Assistance Program

Open Until Filled and Fill by 7/31/2026

Education: Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Culinary Arts, or related field, or equivalent professional sommelier training desired.

Wine Credentials: Expert-level wine knowledge required: Court of Master Sommeliers Level 2/Advanced Sommelier or WSET Level 3/4 Diploma strongly preferred (CMS Certified Sommelier or WSET Level 3 minimum). Master Sommelier (MS) or Master of Wine (MW) candidacy a distinguished advantage. Regional specialist certifications (French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Scholar) advantageous.

Beverage Credentials: Strong working knowledge of cocktail technique, spirits categories, and bar service standards required.

Experience: Minimum 2+ years of sommelier experience in Forbes Four- or Five-Star luxury hotel, Michelin-starred, or equivalent fine dining environment; experience managing a large cellar preferred.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in wine inventory management software (WineSoft, Uncorkd, or comparable), Micros/Simphony POS, and Opera PMS. Exceptional verbal communication, storytelling, and guest engagement skills.

Certifications: TIPS/TABC certification required.

At East West our Vision is to be the most trusted hospitality services company and employer of choice, built on genuine and enduring relationships. We believe in doing the right thing for each other, our community, our environment, and those we serve. We hope you’ll consider joining us! Visit our website to learn more about East West at eastwest.com.

East West Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-verify.

Viceroy Hotels & Resorts inspires travelers with one-of-a-kind authentic lifestyle experiences that bring together provocative design and intuitive service in sought-after locations. A leader in modern luxury, Viceroy’s vibe-led hospitality is guided by the brand promise "Remember to Live," an affirmation to create lifelong memories for each and every guest. As an industry leader in creativity and innovation, our hotels draw upon the diverse backgrounds and talent of our extraordinary team for optimal success.