The Assistant General Manager & Wine Director will serve as a pivotal leader within 1856 - Culinary ... The restaurant hosts a Chef in Residence and a Master Sommelier in Residence, offering students ...
The Assistant General Manager & Wine Director will serve as a pivotal leader within 1856 - Culinary ... The restaurant hosts a Chef in Residence and a Master Sommelier in Residence, offering students ...
The Assistant General Manager & Wine Director will serve as a pivotal leader within 1856 - Culinary ... The restaurant hosts a Chef in Residence and a Master Sommelier in Residence, offering students ...
The Assistant General Manager & Wine Director will serve as a pivotal leader within 1856 - Culinary ... The restaurant hosts a Chef in Residence and a Master Sommelier in Residence, offering students ...
Level I sommelier (preferred) * Availability to work a flexible schedule * Legal authorization to ... assistant Callie. We look forward to hearing from you!
Level I sommelier (preferred) * Availability to work a flexible schedule * Legal authorization to ... assistant Callie. We look forward to hearing from you!
Level I sommelier (preferred) * Availability to work a flexible schedule * Legal authorization to ... assistant Callie. We look forward to hearing from you!
Level I sommelier (preferred) * Availability to work a flexible schedule * Legal authorization to ... assistant Callie. We look forward to hearing from you!
Assistant Sommelier information
See Alabama salary details
$13.04 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$11.98 - $14.20
53% of jobs
$14.20 - $16.42
20% of jobs
$17.64 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$16.42 - $18.64
5% of jobs
$18.64 - $20.86
1% of jobs
$20.86 - $23.08
3% of jobs
$23.08 - $25.29
5% of jobs
$25.29 - $27.51
5% of jobs
$27.51 - $29.73
5% of jobs
$29.73 - $31.95
2% of jobs
$31.95 - $34.17
0% of jobs
$34.17 - $36.39
1% of jobs
$11
$18
$36
How much do assistant sommelier jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant sommelier in Alabama is $18.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is an assistant sommelier?
Assistant Sommeliers are wine professionals who support the head sommelier in managing the wine program at a restaurant or hospitality venue. Their duties often include assisting with wine selection, cellar organization, inventory management, and providing wine service to guests. They also help with staff training and may recommend wine pairings to enhance the dining experience. Assistant Sommeliers are usually working toward higher certifications and gaining experience to advance in the sommelier profession.
What are the typical responsibilities of an assistant sommelier?
During a busy service shift, an Assistant Sommelier is responsible for supporting the head sommelier by preparing wine service stations, assisting with wine pairings, and ensuring the wine cellar is organized and stocked. They often interact directly with guests to answer questions, present wine options, and help decant or serve bottles. Additionally, they may help train waitstaff on wine basics and work closely with the kitchen to coordinate pairings and timing. This role requires strong communication and multitasking skills, especially in a fast-paced fine dining environment.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant sommelier?
To thrive as an Assistant Sommelier, you need foundational wine knowledge, a relevant certification (such as from the Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET), and experience in fine dining or hospitality. Familiarity with wine inventory systems, point-of-sale software, and cellar management tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a passion for customer service help build rapport with guests and support senior sommeliers. These skills ensure a high-level guest experience and efficient wine program operations in a competitive hospitality environment.
What is the difference between Assistant Sommelier vs Sommelier?
| Aspect | Assistant Sommelier | Sommelier |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Wine certifications (e.g., WSET Level 2 or 3) | Same as Assistant Sommelier, often with advanced certifications |
| Work Environment | Assists in wine service, supports sommeliers, works in restaurants or hotels | Leads wine service, makes wine recommendations, manages wine list |
| Responsibilities | Supports wine service, maintains wine storage, assists with wine pairing | Creates wine lists, advises guests, manages wine inventory |
In summary, an Assistant Sommelier supports the Sommelier in wine service and operations, often focusing on assisting and learning. A Sommelier takes on more responsibility, including managing wine selections and guest interactions, requiring more experience and expertise.
Is it easy to get a job as an assistant sommelier?
Getting a job as an assistant sommelier can be competitive and typically requires relevant wine knowledge, customer service skills, and sometimes certification such as the Court of Master Sommeliers. Entry-level positions may be accessible with proper training and experience in hospitality or wine service, but advancement often depends on experience and additional certifications.
What job categories do people searching Assistant Sommelier jobs in Alabama look for?
The top searched job categories for Assistant Sommelier jobs in Alabama are:
1856 Restaurant Assistant General Manager/Wine Director
Auburn, AL
Full-time
Re-posted 27 days ago
Job description
Position Purpose
Join Ithaka Hospitality Partners and Auburn University in leading the next generation of hospitality professionals. The Assistant General Manager & Wine Director will serve as a pivotal leader within 1856 – Culinary Residence, a luxury teaching restaurant in the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. This role supports the restaurant's daily operations, wine education, and beverage program development-balancing commercial excellence with world-class experiential learning for students.
About 1856 – Culinary Residence
1856 – Culinary Residence is a fine dining teaching restaurant named after Auburn University's founding year. The restaurant hosts a Chef in Residence and a Master Sommelier in Residence, offering students real-time mentorship and an immersive restaurant experience through à la carte lunch and a multi-course tasting dinner.
Recognitions include:
- Forbes, Southern Living, Garden & Gun, Travel + Leisure features
- AAA Five Diamond Award via The Laurel Hotel & Spa
- Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Guest Experience
- Support the General Manager in overseeing all aspects of daily service, operations, scheduling, and staffing.
- Lead pre-service huddles and manage floor operations during high-touch service hours.
- Train students and team members to deliver Forbes Five-Star hospitality standards.
- Coordinate FOH execution in collaboration with the Chef in Residence and Director of Culinary Innovations.
- Manage guest satisfaction, dietary restrictions, and VIP expectations with precision and grace.
Wine & Beverage Program Leadership
- Oversee all wine and beverage programming for 1856-Culinary Residence and collaborate with associated outlets such as The Laurel Library, Walt's Rooftop and The Laurel Spa
- Maintain an award-winning wine list and execute beverage pairing strategies for rotating tasting menus to include wine, spirits and cocktails.
- Lead wine education, pairings, inventory, and staff training moments.
- Create engaging guest experiences through curated tastings, dinners, and educational events.
- Support purchasing and inventory with a focus on quality control and wine cellar management.
Education & Student Development
- Provide direct mentorship to students working in 1856-Culinary Residence, ensuring a balance between commercial execution and pedagogical value.
- Administer verbal and written service/wine tests and performance feedback sessions.
- Develop future sommeliers through a structured internship program, experiential learning opportunities, and global industry exposure.
Strategic & Commercial Oversight
- Collaborate on forecasting, budgeting, and financial performance targets for wine sales and overall operations.
- Contribute to the planning of wine-focused events (e.g., industry dinners, beverage conferences, travel immersions).
- Partner on marketing, menu design, and social media engagement related to beverage programming.
- Stay current on global beverage trends and integrate them into both operations and academic instruction.
Qualifications
Preferred:
- 5+ years in fine dining restaurant service, with 3+ years in leadership
- Deep experience in wine service and programming; certified sommelier certification or equivalent required
- Experience in multi-course tasting menu environments
- Strong teaching and mentorship abilities with a passion for student development
- Experience with wine list development recognized by Wine Spectator or equivalent
- Background in upscale dining rooms with either Forbes or James Beard Recognition
- Bachelor's degree in Hospitality, Wine Studies, or related field
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
- Must be able to stand, walk, lift, and perform floor duties for extended periods
- Able to lift 30+ pounds and manage wine cellar organization
- Available to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
- Travel occasionally for wine industry networking and educational trips
Who We Are
At Ithaka Hospitality Partners, we believe in journeys filled with discovery, hospitality with soul, and partnerships built on trust. We are shaping the future of hospitality-and invite you to be part of it.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.