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Wine Spectator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The ability to research and strategically maintain/elevate the wine program to achieve the Wine Spectator Award. Essential Job Duties 1. Provides leadership for The Dining Room evening, fine dining ...

This Wine Spectator Grand-Award winning restaurant offers exquisite dining with a menu that changes daily, complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet and a spectacular setting with endless ocean views.

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.

Host

Washington, DC

$17 - $25/hr

Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2023, 2024 * 2023 RAMMY Award for Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year * Top Ten on 100 Best Restaurants Washingtonian 2023 * OAD Top 100 in North America 2023 ...

Host

Big Sur, CA

$18.50 - $19/hr

This Wine Spectator Grand-Award winning restaurant offers exquisite dining with a menu that changes daily, complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet and a spectacular setting with endless ocean views.

This Wine Spectator Grand-Award winning restaurant offers exquisite dining with a menu that changes daily, complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet and a spectacular setting with endless ocean views.

Dishwasher

Big Sur, CA

$18 - $19.50/hr

This Wine Spectator Grand-Award winning restaurant offers exquisite dining with a menu that changes daily, complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet and a spectacular setting with endless ocean views.

Dishwasher

Big Sur, CA · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

This Wine Spectator Grand-Award winning restaurant offers exquisite dining with a menu that changes daily, complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet and a spectacular setting with endless ocean views.

This Wine Spectator Grand-Award winning restaurant offers exquisite dining with a menu that changes daily, complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet and a spectacular setting with endless ocean views.

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How much do wine spectator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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.

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.

How do I submit to Wine Spectator?

To submit work to Wine Spectator, you can send your wine reviews, tasting notes, or articles through their online submission portal or email, following their specific guidelines for contributors. Having relevant wine knowledge, tasting experience, and good writing skills can improve your chances of acceptance.

Who is the most famous wine reviewer?

The most famous wine reviewer is Robert Parker, known for his influential ratings and the publication of The Wine Advocate. His evaluations have significantly impacted the wine industry and consumer preferences worldwide.

What is the controversy surrounding Wine Spectator?

Wine Spectator is a well-known wine magazine that reviews and rates wines, but it has faced criticism for potential conflicts of interest, such as accepting advertising from wineries it reviews. Some industry professionals question whether its ratings are influenced by commercial relationships, impacting its perceived objectivity.

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 are the highest paying jobs in the wine industry?

In the wine industry, high-paying roles include winemakers, vineyard owners, and senior sommeliers, often requiring specialized knowledge, certifications, and extensive experience. Executive positions such as winery general managers and sales directors also tend to offer the highest salaries. These roles typically involve leadership, technical skills, and a deep understanding of wine production and marketing.

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
What cities are hiring for Wine Spectator jobs? 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:
Infographic showing various Wine Spectator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,583 per year, or $20 per hour.
Resort Fine Dining Manager

Resort Fine Dining Manager

Biltmore Company

Asheville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Biltmore Estate rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 26 rated museums


Job description

Job Description
The Fine Dining Manager will be responsible for managing all aspects of employee and guest service for the evening, fine dining service for The Dining Room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Manager fosters, implements, and maintains a service culture and leadership that promotes world class service to guests in accordance with Forbes standards and steps of service.
People leadership responsibilities in this role will include motivation and engagement of employees; performance evaluation and management; sharing constructive feedback, coaching, and training for team members; schedules, hires, trains and supports employees to ensure delivery of mission and Biltmore and Forbes service standards.
Key focus areas include maintaining the Inn on Biltmore Estate's Forbes rating for both The Dining Room and hotel proper through ensuring delivery, implementation and execution of training on performance standards; extensive food and wine knowledge; employee engagement and development; and the enhancement and development of service offerings and opportunities. The ability to research and strategically maintain/elevate the wine program to achieve the Wine Spectator Award.
Essential Job Duties
1. Provides leadership for The Dining Room evening, fine dining service in accordance with company standards.
2. Will ensure Forbes standards are met and exceed through training and coaching.
3. Employee scheduling, engagement, development, and performance management; also charged with ensuring effective communication within The Dining Room, between kitchen and dining room, and with other estate departments.
4. Responsible for reporting, revenue/labor management, quality control, and inventory.
5. Handles guest service recovery, special requests, etc. to ensure world class service.
6. Will also serve as sommelier as needed, and will maintain complete knowledge of wines, liquors, and other spirits; monitors for compliance with local, state, and federal alcohol regulations and laws.
7. Ability to taste, smell and visualize the differences of various wines to an expert level of detail for the wine program as well as ensuring the guest experience.
8. • Management duties including scheduling, payroll reviews and leading staff meeting
Qualifications
1. High school diploma required. Additional training, education, and/or certification(s) strongly preferred. Level II Sommelier certification preferred.
2. At least five (5) years prior experience in upscale food and beverage environment. Equivalent combination of education/experience may be considered. Ideal candidate will have held same/similar management role in a luxury hotel/resort/restaurant setting.
3. Knowledge of Forbes and/or four star/diamond standards strongly preferred.
4. Extensive knowledge of wine, cordials, and spirits; as well as all menu items, prices. and expertise in the particular characteristics and description of wines/champagnes offered.
5. Demonstrated commitment to delivery of world class internal/external guest service; proven leadership skills and track record of building, developing, and motivating teams.
6. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; effectively engages with guests and staff; builds positive, professional relationships at all levels.
7. Proactive, exercises good judgment; troubleshoots and creatively problem solves.
8. Solid planning, organizational skills; adapts, prioritizes and multi-tasks as required.
9. Skilled in use of systems such as Micros, Open Table, ETEC, UltiPro & Kronos
10. Thrives in a corporate setting; understands and leads quality control efforts.
11. Fluent in written/spoken English; knowledge of other language(s) a plus.
Physical Requirements
1. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis.
2. Various physical movements through shift; can work between 10-14 hours to include standing/walking for extended periods of time as operation demands.
3. Works indoors and outside in a variety of conditions that includes fluctuating temperatures; may be exposed to dust, dirt, pollen, chemicals, smoke, and/or other particulates.
4. Some travel may be required.

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