The Old Edwards Hospitality Group owns and operates three hotels, two golf courses, multiple restaurants, a world-class Spa, and sixteen unique and individual events sites, all on the Highlands Plateau. Old Edwards Inn and Spa, our flagship Resort, is in Highlands, North Carolina. It is on Travel and Leisure World's Best list and Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List. And it is a member of the prestigious Relais and Chateaux organization.

The Assistant Sommelier assists all aspects of the Wine program and all its services. This is including set-up of each meal period, service of outlets while focusing on detail, quality and customer service. The Assistant Sommelier must have a great personality and be able to communicate with members and guests that might share different levels of wine knowledge and must be able to promote the Wine Program. The Assistant Sommelier will report to the Head Sommelier.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Assist with the Banquets Wine Program (i.e. creating a profitable wine selection and building out the banquets list, communicating with sales on changes to the list/pricing, working closely with the banquet bar manager to ensure proper ordering practices)
• Assisting with end of month inventory
• Assisting Detailing and Upkeep of the various cellars on property
• Keep up-to-date on wine trends
• Ensure that all wine is served in proper glassware and in proper condition.
• Assist with the execution of various training plans for the staff in Madison’s
• Attend tasting meetings with the Head Sommelier to be familiar with any additions to the restaurant list
• Completion of any current or future duties assigned by the Head Sommelier
• Managing restaurant floor
• Assisting in maître-d roles (inclusive of all Madison’s management staff)

• Industry certification (i.e. Court of Master Sommeliers, Society of Wine Educators) is desired.
• Applicant must have three (3) years of experience in a similar role in a restaurant, hotel, club, or resort.
• Must be passionate about wine.
• Must possess superior people skills.
• The ability to determine wine faults and maintain proper temperatures in order to showcase products at their maximum potential.
• A strong knowledge of food and beverage pairings.
• Solid understanding of pricing, budgets and cost controls.
• Operation and programming knowledge of a point of sales system.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Excellent skills as an educator & information resource.
• The ability to work well with a large group of people in a team environment
• Must be able to work well in stressful, high-pressure situations including the ability to handle guest complaints and disputes and resolve them to satisfactory results
• Must maintain composure and objectivity under pressure
• Must be effective at listening to, understanding and clarifying concerns and issues raised by team members and guests
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, days, weekends and holidays

Physical Demands

• Essential duties require long periods of standing and walking as well as frequent reaching and kneeling, pushing, pulling, carrying, lifting and moving objects 50 lbs. or more. The employee must have normal vision (corrected), hearing and verbal communication.

Environmental Conditions

• Duties are performed in both indoor and outdoor settings, with events often taking place in the elements in all four seasons. Events often involve loud music.
• This Job Description reflects management’s assessment of essential functions; however it does not prescribe nor restrict the tasks that may be assigned.