Beefbar New York is seeking a passionate and hospitality-driven Junior Sommelier to join our
beverage and service team.
The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in wine, a genuine curiosity to continue learning, and
the ability to translate that knowledge into warm, intuitive guest experiences. This is an
opportunity for a developing wine professional to gain hands-on experience with a diverse wine
program while working closely with the floor and the restaurant's beverage leadership.
The Junior Sommelier will be an active member of the floor team during service while
supporting the day-to-day organization and operation of the wine program. We are looking for
someone who understands that great wine service begins with great hospitality: listening to the
guest, understanding what they are looking for, and helping them find the right bottle rather than
simply demonstrating technical knowledge.
Responsibilities
- Provide warm, knowledgeable and approachable wine service throughout the dining room.
- Support the service team beyond wine when necessary, including table maintenance and other
elements of service.
- Assist guests and confidently discuss wine and food pairings with wine selections based on their
preferences and our current menu selections.
- Develop a thorough working knowledge of Beefbar's wine list, including key producers, regions,
grape varieties, vintages and styles.
- Execute proper tableside wine service, including presentation, opening, decanting, temperature,
glassware and pouring.
- Assist with daily wine mise en place and maintain organization, cleanliness and proper storage
conditions throughout the wine cellar and beverage storage areas.
- Work closely with servers, bartenders, managers and the beverage team to ensure seamless
service and an exceptional overall guest experience.
- Receive, check, organize and properly store wine deliveries.
- Assist with stocking, bin organization, bottle movement and maintaining accurate cellar
locations.
- Assist with ongoing inventory control and monthly physical inventory.
- Help maintain accurate wine lists, POS information, vintages and availability as the program
changes.
- Monitor wine stock and communicate low inventory, vintage changes and discrepancies to
beverage leadership for menu edits
- Participate in tastings, pre-shift education, producer and distributor presentations, and ongoing
beverage training.
- Continue developing knowledge of both classic wine regions and emerging producers, regions
and styles.
- Support beverage leadership with special events, wine dinners and other wine-related projects
as needed.
- Follow all Beefbar service standards and applicable laws regarding responsible alcohol service.
Qualifications
- 1–2+ years of experience in an upscale, fine-dining or wine-focused restaurant environment.
- Previous sommelier experience is welcomed but not required for candidates with strong
restaurant experience and demonstrated wine knowledge.
- Working knowledge of major wine regions, grape varieties, appellations, producers and basic
food-and-wine pairing principles.
- Strong interest in developing technical wine knowledge and professional service skills.
- WSET Level 2, CMS Introductory Sommelier, or equivalent wine education is preferred but not
required.
- Candidates actively pursuing WSET, CMS or other recognized wine education are encouraged to
apply.
- Comfortable performing proper tableside wine service and eager to continue developing those
skills.
- Warm, confident and professional communication style and.
- Flexible availability, including nights, weekends and holidays.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift and move wine cases weighing up to 50
pounds.
What We're Looking For
Above all, we are looking for someone who is curious, humble and excited to grow.
You do not need to know every producer or appellation on day one. You should have a strong
foundation, take wine seriously, and be motivated to learn. We value candidates who can
combine knowledge with personality and who understand that the purpose of a wine program is
ultimately to make the guest's experience better.
This position offers the opportunity to develop your palate, expand your knowledge, participate
in regular tastings and work directly with beverage leadership while gaining experience with the
operational side of a serious restaurant wine program.
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits package for eligible full-time employees, including:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Commuter benefits
- Employee dining discounts at Beefbar
- Ongoing wine education and tasting opportunities
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the beverage program
Beefbar New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, age, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital or partnership status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. 