Wine Bar Server - Reserve

The starting pay for this position is $10.00/hour, plus tips. On average, Wine Bar Servers can expect earnings of $16-$22/hour, dependent on business volume.

Reserve: A flexible, on-call position scheduled based on business needs and operational volume. Reserve employees typically work anywhere from 40-999 hours per year, depending on demand.

The Wine Bar Server is responsible for coordinating entire table service for guests and communicating with front and back-of-house personnel to provide a world-class experience that exceeds guest expectations. Servers will deliver gracious hospitality and ensure all guests receive friendly, courteous, and prompt service at all times, following Biltmore service standards. Wine Bar Servers provide our guests with a warm, friendly, professional atmosphere while helping each guest become familiar with Biltmore Wines and wine making in general. This is accomplished with tactfulness and adaptability. Wine Bar Servers will use their knowledge of wines, Biltmore, and the Asheville area to deliver one-of-a-kind experiences for guests through active listening and world-class guest service techniques. The incumbent will also provide general support and assistance to the leadership, department, and company.

Schedules can vary, but are generally 2-3 (8-hour) shifts per week. Weekend availability required. 

Essential Job Duties: 

1. Anticipate guests’ needs, respond promptly, and maintain positive guest relations at all times.
2. Must be professional in both appearance and demeanor in accordance with Biltmore Service Standards, Winery Retail Policies, and Coyle Shopper Standards at all times.
3. Deliver and serve correct wine and food items promptly to the appropriate guests.
4. Must be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
5. Maintain a high degree of wine education and extensive knowledge of Biltmore Wines to help inform our guests and actively up-sell with each guest.
6. Create a unique tasting experience for each guest by engaging guests in the wine list and assisting guests in selecting wines that fit the guest's wine preference.
7. Promotes additional retail wine and merchandise sales to meet sales goals while providing world-class service.
8. Actively promote the Vanderbilt Wine Club and accurately convey all information regarding the club to guests.
9. Coordinate the assembly of guest orders of merchandise and wine to increase guest purchases during their experience at the Wine Bar.
10. Participate in and meet all sales goals set for the Wine Bar.
11. Open and close operations of the Wine Bar as scheduled, including cleaning the bar and kitchen, maintaining the patio and outdoor areas, along with restocking daily.
12. Continually remove soiled dishes, glassware, and flatware from the floor.
13. Maintain proper stocking and maintenance of essential items needed for service.
14. Accurately track wine inventory/usage on a daily basis.
15. Assist in the kitchen, assembling plates, completing food prep work, and cleaning dishes/glasses when needed.
16. Due to the high volume of guests and the very high-profile nature of the job, the employee must be able to multitask and be very attentive to their surroundings.

Qualifications: 

1. High school diploma preferred, but not required.
2. Previous serving experience required. The ideal candidate will have had at least six (6) months of related wine experience in a fine dining/upscale food and beverage setting.
3. Demonstrate commitment to delivering world-class guest service and anticipating and exceeding guest expectations.
4. Must be able to quickly learn to perform proper wine service.
5. Must be able to quickly acquire a working knowledge of Biltmore Wines, wine making, Biltmore & Vanderbilt history, as well as Asheville & the surrounding areas.
6. Must be able to learn and communicate information about Biltmore Winery & Retail products, Biltmore Winery Programs, and all services offered.
7. Excellent guest relations and communications skills are a must; should be comfortable and able to offer warm, sincere, and gracious hospitality to guests.
8. Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to handle a variety of guest service situations in a manner consistent with Biltmore standards and in compliance with NC ABC Laws & Regulations.
9. Terrific attention to detail.
10. Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced, guest service environment.
11. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
12. Ability to be proactive, exercise good judgment, and take initiative as appropriate.
13. Demonstrate advance level of wine knowledge.

Additional Responsibilities: 

1. There will be many questions about the Biltmore Estate and Vanderbilt history. Respond with appropriate information, tact, knowledge, and good taste.
2. Use active listening skills and suggestive selling techniques.
3. Employees must be aware of safety issues.
4. Abide by NC ABC Laws & Regulations and follow all ServSafe Guidelines.
5. Provide general support and assistance to the leadership, department, and company.

Physical Requirements: 

1. Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent bending, lifting, and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
2. Requires walking, lifting, or standing to a significant degree.
3. Work environment involves exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
4. The employee may work in a kitchen environment.
5. The employee may work indoors or outside with fluctuations in temperature and conditions.
6. Ability to carry trays with multiple beverages.