Sommelier

POSITION 

Sommelier 

ABOUT THE LAKE: 

The Lake is a new private social club opening in Winter 2027 in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. Spanning 26,000 square feet, the clubhouse will feature a classic brick-and-limestone exterior paired with stylish contemporary interiors, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and inviting. Designed to foster a vibrant, welcoming community, The Lake will center around an exceptional food and beverage program and bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a love of gathering with family and friends. The club will offer three distinct restaurants, including a French-inspired brasserie, a British American restaurant, and an Italian trattoria. In addition, members will enjoy two cocktail bars, a members’ wine cellar, a roof terrace, and three guest rooms, all thoughtfully designed to create a dynamic and curated experience. 

ABOUT TOPOGRAPHY: 

Topography is a hospitality company founded by Liam Krehbiel in 2021 that develops and operates a collection of luxurious hotels and clubs, with a vision to build a world-class company known for excellence in guest experience, employee satisfaction, financial performance, and environmental stewardship. The Lake will be Topography’s first property to open, with additional projects in development across Wisconsin, New England, and North Carolina. 

ABOUT THE LAKE’S WINE OFFERING 

The Lake’s opening wine program is being constructed in collaboration with Master Sommelier Jonathan Ross. Our collective goal is to offer a best-in-class wine offering that showcases some of the absolute best producers from classic wine regions around the world, and from top vintages in their perfect drinking window. These highly sought after wines will be set next to a modest selection of everyday wines with the goal of serving every budget, every occasion, and every meal. 

ABOUT THE POSITION: 

The Sommelier is responsible for assisting the Food and Beverage Manager in the management and support of The Lake’s wine program across all three restaurants and the members’ wine cellar, providing expert guidance and elevating the guest and member dining experience. 

The ideal candidate is a knowledgeable, personable wine professional who combines deep expertise with genuine hospitality, and takes pride in creating memorable pairing experiences for members and guests. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Wine Program & Cellar Management 

• Help maintain an exceptional wine list across The Lake’s three restaurants and members’ wine cellar. 

• Assist in selecting wines that align with the culinary program and member preferences. 

• Manage inventory, accuracy of wine list, storage conditions, and rotation of the wine cellar. 

Guest & Member Experience 

• Provide exceptional wine service and pairings tailored to individual guests and members. 

• Provide assistance to the Food and Beverage Management in hosting wine tastings, cellar tours, and educational events for members. 

• Build relationships with members, understanding their preferences to provide personalized service. 

Service & Team Training 

• Assist in training service staff on wine knowledge, pairing principles, and proper service techniques. 

• Ensure consistent, polished wine service standards across all three restaurants. 

• Support servers and sommeliers-in-training in developing their wine expertise. 

Pre-Opening & Continuous Improvement 

• Participate in pre-opening planning, including cellar buildout. 

• Assist in establishing service standards and training materials for the wine program. 

• Identify opportunities to elevate and evolve the wine program over time. 

REPORTS TO: 

Food & Beverage Manager 

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS: 

The Lake is seeking candidates who bring deep wine expertise, refined hospitality instincts, and a passion for guest education. 

Professional Experience: 

• 3+ years of experience as a sommelier or in a senior wine service role, preferably in a fine dining or private club environment. 

• Wine certification (e.g., Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET 3) preferred. 

• Deep knowledge of wine regions, varietals, and food pairing principles. 

• Strong communication and hospitality skills with a genuine passion for guest education. 

• Experience with pre-opening environments is a plus. 

COMPENSATION: 

The Lake offers a competitive compensation package that includes hourly wage plus participation in the tip pool. Additionally, The Lake provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k plan participation and paid vacation. Topography Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. 

START DATE: 

Fall 2026 

LOCATION: 

Chicago, IL