Job Details
Taste, train, and “Backup-Somm” for Brooklyn's greatest wine list underneath The Brooklyn Bridge and the tutelage of Master Sommelier, Roger Dagorn.
The role would consist of being a part-time front server, filling in for the Sommeliers as needed. Candidates should have a desire to educate others and have goals for WSET or CMS continued education. This is the perfect job for someone who wants to be a Sommelier, has a background in wine and hospitality, and is comfortable being a backup sommelier.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES:
- Making recommendations on food and wine pairings.
- Ensuring that the wine cellar is fully stocked by unloading cases of wine and labeling once a week.
- Informing guests on the variety of wines available.
- Training waitstaff on available wines.
- Complying with health and safety regulations
- Must attend all Wednesday Tastings (2 pm-4 pm) with any number of 30 different wine importers
- Must have availability Wednesday - Sunday 3:00 pm - Close, including holidays.
SPECIFIC JOB KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Requires good communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to learn and perform all essential job functions accurately and safely.
- Ability to lift 20 lbs cases of wine
- Certification as a sommelier or a degree in hospitality is beneficial.
- Previous experience as a sommelier, wine steward, or in a hospitality role.
- Extensive knowledge of wines and regions of the different types.
- Knowledge of local vineyards and wineries.
- An understanding of the wine-making process.
- Able to work a flexible schedule in order to accommodate scheduling.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS:
Education: Associate’s degree in culinary arts, hospitality, or similar preferred.
Experience Required: 1-2 years of experience as a sommelier, or have experience selling wine.
Licenses or Certificates: Ideally the WSET 1 or higher or the CMS Intro completed, but open to assisting in your education to achieve those merits.
Compensation Details
Compensation: Hourly is $10.00 plus tips, and $20 per hour for wine administration work. Full-time servers range from 90-110k. 25-40 hours a week, based on our schedules.
Wine Program Awards
A consistent recipient of the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (2 Glass) for over a decade (500+ Bottle list)
Current achievement: 2024
Wine Spectator Wine and Spirits magazine’s Wine List Hall of Fame.
2001 recipient of the Diamond Wine List Award (the highest level of achievement) from the International Restaurant and Hospitality Bureau.
Wine List
https://rivercafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/rivercafe-menu-030426.pdf
2023
2022
