About This Role
This role is an opportunity for a knowledgeable and personable sommelier to shape the wine program and lead tableside wine service at Elizabeth's, a fine-dining restaurant located in a historic downtown Washington townhouse. The sommelier will have creative ownership of the standard and grand pairings, working alongside the chef to bring their own perspective to each selection.
Responsibilities
- Create seasonal wine pairings that complement and elevate the tasting menu
- Lead attentive, engaging wine service during the three weekly dinner services, guiding guests through pairings and bottle selections
- Curate and develop the cellar, balancing established producers, interesting discoveries, and older vintages
- Oversee wine and liquor ordering, receiving, inventory, list updates, and pricing
- Build relationships with distributors and arrange tastings to inform purchasing decisions
- Share wine knowledge with the service team through tastings and pre-service briefings
- Provide wine service for occasional private events, primarily hosted at the restaurant
- Work closely with the dining room team to deliver seamless, thoughtful hospitality
Requirements
- Previous sommelier or substantial wine-service experience in a fine-dining setting
- Strong knowledge of wine regions, producers, vintages, and food-and-wine pairing
- Enthusiasm for creating original pairings and developing a distinctive wine selection
- Confident tableside service and the ability to make wine approachable for guests with varying levels of knowledge
- Strong organization, attention to detail, and comfort with inventory and purchasing
- Availability for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening service
- Sommelier certification or comparable wine education preferred
Benefits
Important Details
- Schedule: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening service, with additional time for beverage purchasing, inventory, and occasional on-site private events; approximately 25-35 hours per week
Application Process
- Submit your résumé and a brief introduction outlining your wine and service experience
About the Company
Elizabeth's is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a seasonal, plant-based tasting menu.
