Senior Wine Manager - Bellagio

As the Senior Wine Manager at Bellagio, your responsibilities include overseeing all property wine programs, managing sourcing, inventory, and pricing, as well as ensuring compliance with policies. You will also lead training programs for your team, enhance guest experiences in line with Forbes Travel Guide standards, and drive innovative strategies in wine programming across various venues.

Candidates for the Senior Wine Manager position at Bellagio should possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience, along with at least two years of relevant experience in the wine industry. A certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers or equivalent is also required. Experience in a hotel, casino, or restaurant environment is highly beneficial.

The Senior Wine Manager enhances the guest experience at Bellagio by ensuring service excellence in every interaction. This involves curating a premium wine selection, conducting staff training programs that emphasize wine knowledge, and engaging guests in signature wine events that provide memorable experiences focused on exploration and enjoyment.

The Senior Wine Manager at Bellagio is responsible for leading and developing the wine team, including onboarding new members and providing ongoing training on wine service and knowledge. This role ensures that the team is equipped to deliver high-quality service and create exceptional experiences for guests.

As a Senior Wine Manager at Bellagio, you can enjoy a range of benefits including wellness incentives, discounts on hotel and restaurant services, free meals in the employee dining room, health and income protection benefits for eligible employees, and opportunities for professional development through programs and networking.

To manage wine inventory effectively, I utilize inventory management systems to track stock levels, monitor aging wines, and assess sales trends. Regular audits and establishing relationships with suppliers also help maintain optimal stock levels and ensure the best selection for guests.

My process for training a new wine team member includes a comprehensive onboarding program that covers wine basics, service techniques, and the specifics of our wine offerings. I believe in hands-on training and continuous education to ensure they feel confident and knowledgeable when engaging with guests.

To collaborate effectively with the Food & Beverage team, I hold regular meetings to discuss beverage pairings, wine events, and guest feedback. I also encourage open communication to ensure we’re aligned on the goals for enhancing our wine offerings and creating memorable experiences.

I stay current with wine trends by participating in industry tastings, attending workshops, and subscribing to wine publications. Networking with other wine professionals and joining industry groups also provides insights into current trends and innovations.

Handling guest complaints about wine service begins with listening to their concerns and acknowledging their feelings. I then work to resolve the issue promptly, whether it’s offering a replacement, providing a discount, or ensuring that the team receives feedback for improvement.

My approach to curating wine events involves understanding our guests’ preferences and trends, selecting wines that complement the theme of the event, and collaborating with culinary teams to create perfect pairings. I focus on creating engaging experiences that educate and delight our guests.

When sourcing new wines, I consider factors like quality, region, grape variety, price point, and supplier reputation. I also prioritize wines that align with our brand image and enhance our overall wine program.

I promote continuous education among my team by organizing regular tasting sessions, providing access to educational materials, and encouraging participation in workshops and seminars. Foster a culture of learning ensures that our team remains knowledgeable and passionate about wine.

A great wine selection should be diverse yet cohesive, offering a range of options that reflect different styles and regions. It should cater to a variety of taste preferences while also featuring unique, high-quality wines that stand out and enhance the guest experience.

From my previous experiences in wine management, I've learned the importance of adaptability and guest engagement. Understanding the evolving preferences of our guests, as well as the value of teamwork and collaboration, has been crucial in driving successful wine programs.