Sommelier - Prestigious Safari Lodge

A prestigious safari lodge situated within the Greater Kruger region is seeking a Sommelier to join its team.

This is an opportunity for a passionate wine professional to curate unforgettable, personalised wine experiences in one of South Africa’s most iconic wilderness settings.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a high-end, guest-focused environment and has a strong appreciation for both international wines and the art of storytelling through wine.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a bespoke and consistently exceptional wine experience for all guests
• Curate and present tailored wine pairings aligned with menus and individual guest preferences
• Conduct engaging wine tastings and offer insightful recommendations
• Build rapport with repeat and high-profile guests, ensuring personalised service
• Maintain cellar stock control, including inventory management and reporting
• Oversee wine storage facilities, including bulk wine handling and replenishment
• Manage sales, invoicing, and administrative duties related to the wine programme
• Collaborate closely with kitchen and front-of-house teams to enhance the guest experience
• Provide training and mentorship to lodge staff across wine knowledge and service standards
• Uphold and actively contribute to the lodge’s sustainability and conservation ethos
• Ensure smooth communication across departments to support operational excellence

Requirements

• Recognised qualifications with Cape Wine Academy and/or WSET
• Strong knowledge of local and international wines
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a luxury hospitality or fine dining environment
• Proven ability to deliver exceptional guest service and engagement
• Strong administrative and organisational skills, with attention to detail
• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
• Commercial awareness with a flair for wine sales and upselling
• Physically fit and able to manage cellar logistics and stock movement
• Proficient in MS Office; additional systems knowledge advantageous
• Valid driver’s licence
• South African citizenship or valid work permit

The Ideal Candidate

• Passionate about wine, hospitality, and guest experience
• Polished, professional, and naturally engaging
• Adaptable, resilient, and thrives in a remote, high-performance environment
• A collaborative team player with a developmental approach to colleagues

Package & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Live-in position with meals provided
• Opportunity to work within a globally respected luxury safari environment
• Ongoing professional development and exposure to an exceptional wine programme