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Junior Sommelier Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Zuma Wine Runner, you are responsible for supporting the sommelier and service teams by ensuring the seamless delivery of wine and sake to guests. You will be responsible for maintaining the ...

At least 1 year of experience as a junior sommelier * Strong wine knowledge with a drive to keep learning * Excellent English, strong guest service and selling skills Why LPM Boston Help build the ...

... junior sommeliers on their performance • Enforce proper beverage service standards of all ... Sommelier Certificate preferred • At least five (5) years of gourmet food and beverage service ...

... sommelier symposium, hospitality Open Houses and wine release parties, among others. * Pour wine ... Undergraduate college degree preferred; minimum two years' junior college * Minimum three years ...

Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of continuous learning and excellence. * Support ... Sommelier, or similar) * Strong public speaking and presentation skills with the ability to adapt ...

Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of continuous learning and excellence. * Support ... Sommelier, or similar) * Strong public speaking and presentation skills with the ability to adapt ...

Senior Wine Educator

Napa, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Mentor junior team members and foster a culture of continuous learning and excellence. * Support ... Sommelier, or similar) * Strong public speaking and presentation skills with the ability to adapt ...

Junior Sommelier information

See salary details

$7

$20

$41

How much do junior sommelier jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for junior sommelier in the United States is $20.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Sommelier, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Sommelier, you need foundational wine knowledge, sensory evaluation skills, and often a certification such as WSET Level 2 or Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory. Familiarity with wine inventory systems, point-of-sale software, and cellar management tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, customer service, and attention to detail distinguish outstanding Junior Sommeliers. These skills and qualifications ensure guests receive expert recommendations and memorable dining experiences, supporting the restaurant's reputation and success.

What are some common challenges faced by a Junior Sommelier, and how can they best prepare for them?

A Junior Sommelier often faces the challenge of quickly mastering an extensive wine list while providing excellent customer service in a fast-paced environment. Balancing ongoing learning about wine regions, varietals, and food pairings with day-to-day responsibilities like inventory management and assisting senior sommeliers can be demanding. Building strong communication skills and developing the ability to stay organized under pressure are essential. Proactively seeking mentorship from senior team members and staying updated on wine industry trends can help a Junior Sommelier excel in the role.

What are junior sommeliers?

Junior sommeliers are entry-level wine professionals who assist senior sommeliers in restaurants, hotels, or wine establishments. Their responsibilities typically include supporting wine service, helping manage the wine cellar, learning about wine pairings, and providing basic recommendations to guests. Junior sommeliers are often in the early stages of their wine careers and may be working towards professional certifications. They gain practical experience under the guidance of more experienced sommeliers and gradually take on more responsibilities as they develop their knowledge and skills.

What is the difference between Junior Sommelier vs Sommelier?

AspectJunior SommelierSommelier
CertificationsBasic wine knowledge, introductory certificationsAdvanced certifications like Court of Master Sommeliers
Work EnvironmentAssisting senior staff, learning on the job in restaurants or hotelsLeading wine service, advising guests, managing wine lists
Experience LevelEntry-level, limited experienceExperienced, with several years in wine service

The main difference between a Junior Sommelier and a Sommelier lies in experience, certifications, and responsibilities. Junior Sommeliers are typically in training or early in their careers, focusing on learning and assisting, while Sommeliers are experienced professionals responsible for wine selection and guest service.

More about Junior Sommelier jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Sommelier jobs? Cities with the most Junior Sommelier job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Sommelier jobs? The most popular types of Sommelier jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Sommelier jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Sommelier jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Junior Sommelier jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Sommelier jobs are:
Infographic showing various Junior Sommelier job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,449 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Junior Sommelier

Zuma - Vail

Vail, CO

$12.14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

As a Zuma Wine Runner, you are responsible for supporting the sommelier and service teams by ensuring the seamless delivery of wine and sake to guests. You will be responsible for maintaining the organization of the wine cellar, assisting with inventory management, and facilitating the accurate and efficient service of beverages during service periods.

The compensation is $12.14 per hour plus tips.

Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant collection, inspired by the dynamic Izakaya dining style. Our global collection includes four venues across North America's most iconic cities: Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and Boston. Our venues are icons in each of their hospitality landscapes, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and to elevating our guest experiences. Zuma in proud to be part of the Azumi collection.

Life at Zuma

At Zuma, we're more than a restaurant – we're a vibrant community fuelled by the energy that flows from our Robata grills, guided by our core values:

Honor the Mastery - we celebrate every detail, always striving for perfection – putting pride in everything we do

Do Unto Others - we support each other to be at our best, treating every team member and guest with warmth and openness

Embrace the Energy - we bring passion and positivity to everything we do

Main Duties

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Retrieve and deliver wine and sake orders to the dining area promptly and accurately
  • Monitor and replenish wine and sake stock levels in service stations during shifts to ensure seamless service
  • Ensure all wine service equipment, such as decanters, wine keys, and glassware, is clean, polished, and available for use
  • Support the sommelier team with setup and breakdown tasks for wine-related events, tastings, or special promotions
  • Communicate effectively with sommeliers, bartenders, and service staff to coordinate the timely delivery of wine orders to guests
  • Assist with inventory tracking and updates in the wine management system, ensuring accuracy and accountability

What We Look For

Our ideal candidate embodies our values and the following:

  • A genuine love for culinary experiences & a passion for Japanese cuisine
  • A natural team player who is at home working in sync with a large team
  • Naturally friendly, customer-oriented, and skilled at creating memorable dining experiences
  • Previous experience as a Runner in a high-end restaurant, hotel, bar, or hospitality establishment preferred
  • Basic knowledge of wine and sake is a plus; willingness to learn and develop knowledge required
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required

Benefits

We offer incredible career growth, international opportunities, and the chance to contribute to a world-renowned brand, where every detail from the finest ingredients to our unrivalled atmosphere is crafted to perfection.  

As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

  • World-Class training, designed to inspire and educate
  • Global opportunities, experience hospitality around the globe with our five incredible brands
  • Health Benefits: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance to ensure your well-being
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan, supporting your long-term financial well-being and future goals
  • Family Meals are shared daily
  • Rewards & Recognition, we value our team and celebrate your contributions to our success with meaningful rewards and recognition
  • Staff discount, enjoy exclusive discounts across the Azumi group, worldwide!

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applicants. If you require any assistance to make the recruitment process more accessible, please let one of our Talent Acquisition team know. 

Ready to create some magic? Join us and bring your talent to a team that’s elevating contemporary dining on a global stage. 

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