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Wine Spectator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hondos Steakhouse

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Restaurant Manager

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, we offer a diverse selection of Wines and Champagnes. Hondos presents casual, yet elegant dining perfect for any event. Pay : $55,000.00 - $65,000 ...

Hondos Steakhouse

Be Seen First

Manager

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

Recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, we offer a diverse selection of Wines and Champagnes. Hondos presents casual, yet elegant dining perfect for any event. Pay : $55,000.00 - $65,000 ...

Hondos Steakhouse

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Waiter/Waitress

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$25 - $60/hr

Recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, we offer a diverse selection of Wines and Champagnes. Hondos presents casual, yet elegant dining perfect for any event. Pay : $25.00 - $60.00 ...

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Assistant Sommelier

Charlotte, NC

$60K - $70K/yr

Collaborate with the Beverage Director to maintain a diverse Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence bottle list of 600+ labels. * Cellar & Inventory Management: Oversee the daily organization of ...

Electric Lemon

Sommelier

New York, NY · On-site

$11.35 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

Complementing the cuisine is an exceptional wine program, recognized by Wine Spectator with the Best of Award of Excellence , featuring a thoughtfully curated collection of Old and New World ...

Saison

Backwaiter

San Francisco, CA

... Wine Spectator Grand Award - is seeking a Back Waiter and Host to join our team. We are evolving fine dining restaurant culture and seeking individuals who are committed to excellence and interested ...

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Wine Spectator information

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How much do wine spectator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for wine spectator in the United States is $19.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do wine critics get paid?

Wine critics are typically paid professionals who earn income through writing articles, reviews, and columns for publications, as well as through speaking engagements and consulting. Compensation varies based on experience, reputation, and the publication or organization they work for.

What are some common challenges faced by a Wine Spectator during the wine evaluation process?

Wine Spectators often encounter the challenge of maintaining objectivity while evaluating wines, especially when assessing products from well-known producers or regions. The role requires a keen palate and the ability to consistently identify subtle differences in aroma, taste, and texture across many samples in a single session. Additionally, adhering to strict tasting protocols and deadlines, while collaborating with other reviewers and editorial staff, can add pressure. Staying updated with industry trends and new wine releases is also essential for providing relevant and insightful reviews.

What is a Wine Spectator?

A Wine Spectator is typically someone associated with the publication 'Wine Spectator,' which is a renowned magazine covering wine ratings, reviews, industry news, and wine culture. The term can also refer to a person who evaluates, tastes, and reviews wines, often for publications or competitions. Wine Spectator magazine is especially known for its influential wine ratings and annual Top 100 Wines list. Professionals working for Wine Spectator often have extensive knowledge of wine, tasting techniques, and the global wine industry.

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

To thrive as a Wine Spectator (such as a wine critic or taster), you need deep knowledge of viticulture, enology, and wine regions, often supported by formal certifications like WSET or Court of Master Sommeliers. Familiarity with wine evaluation tools, tasting sheets, and wine management databases is typical in this role. Exceptional sensory analysis, written communication, and attention to detail help professionals convey nuanced assessments and engage audiences. These skills are vital for ensuring credible, influential wine reviews and recommendations that shape consumer and industry perceptions.

What is the difference between Wine Spectator vs Wine Writer?

AspectWine SpectatorWine Writer
CredentialsWine tasting certifications, journalism experienceWine knowledge, writing skills, industry experience
Work EnvironmentMagazine, online media, eventsFreelance or staff, various media platforms
Industry UsageMedia, wine industry promotionMedia, wine industry commentary, blogging
Search & ComparisonPopular wine magazine roleWine journalism, blogging, critique

Wine Spectator is a renowned wine magazine that reviews and promotes wines, often employing certified wine tasters. A Wine Writer, however, is a broader term for individuals who write about wine across various platforms, including blogs, magazines, and newspapers. While both roles require wine knowledge and writing skills, Wine Spectator is more associated with a specific publication, whereas Wine Writers have diverse employment options. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career or job search focus within the wine industry.

More about Wine Spectator jobs

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Cities with the most Wine Spectator job openings:

What states have the most Wine Spectator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wine Spectator jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Wine Spectator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Wine Spectator jobs are:

Wine Spectator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wine Spectator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $41,583 per year, or $20 per hour.

1856 Restaurant Assistant General Manager/Wine Director

Rane Culinary Science Center

Auburn, AL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 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.

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