Sommelier

WHO WE ARE

A member of Relais & Châteaux with Three MICHELIN Keys, Fogo Island Inn is a 29-room luxury hotel, built on principles of sustainability and respect for nature and culture. The Inn is a community asset, owned by the charity Shorefast, and 100 percent of operating surpluses are reinvested into Shorefast’s work to secure a resilient future for Fogo Island.

Our work has garnered significant international interest including a feature on 60 Minutes and in The New York Times’ 52 Places for a Changed World. The mission of Shorefast is to build, learn, and share economic development practices that catalyse the assets of local places, starting with Fogo Island.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Curate and manage an extensive wine list that complements the Inn’s menu, sourcing high-quality wines from various regions defined by traditional trading partners.
• Be an integral part of creating our sense of place through the wine program, and beverage program.
• Serve and educate guests on our Fogo beverage culture.
• Provide expert wine pairing recommendations to guests based on their meal choices and personal preferences, enhancing their dining experience.
• Train and mentor staff on wine knowledge, service techniques, and tasting notes to ensure they can confidently assist guests with wine selections.
• Oversee beverage inventory, including ordering, receiving, and maintaining proper storage conditions to ensure beverage quality.
• Organize and lead wine tastings and educational events for guests and staff to promote wine appreciation and enhance the Inn’s offerings.
• Engage with guests to share knowledge about wines, vineyards, and winemaking processes, fostering a deeper appreciation for wine.
• Develop strategies to increase wine sales and improve overall profitability of the wine program while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.
• Stay informed about current wine trends, new releases, and industry changes to keep the wine program fresh and exciting.
• Participate in dining room service as a server as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Approximately 5 years experience as a Sommelier, in a similar establishment.
• Certification from a recognized sommelier program (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET) is required.
• Extensive knowledge of wines, including regions, varietals, and food pairings, along with a passion for wine and food culture.
• Experience working in award winning restaurant environments preferred.
• Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage guests and share knowledge in an approachable manner.
• Strong leadership abilities to train and inspire staff, fostering a culture of learning and appreciation for wine.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, including inventory management and staff training.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by the business.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary
• Health and dental benefits, along with access to an employee assistance program for mental health support and work/life services
• Team member discounts within our businesses (Fogo Island Inn and Fogo Island Workshops)
• Travel to Fogo Island, and allowances for travel
• Housing assistance and relocation reimbursement
• The technology necessary to complete your work
• Access to an employee work-out room, to support personal well-being
• An engaged, highly supportive, and collaborative environment that encourages creativity and curiosity
• The opportunity to work in a thriving social enterprise
• Continued learning and professional development opportunities
• We endeavour to foster an accessible work environment and to ensure all in our care feel safe and valued. Please reach out if there is anything we can do to accommodate a more accessible or inclusive application process.