Sommelier

Location: Hakuba

Employment Type: Full time

Work hours: Average of 40 hours per week 

Reports To:
Restaurant Manager

The Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Sommelier to join our team at Hotel La Neige located in Hakuba Valley. As Sommelier, you will be the architect of our wine and beverage programs, guiding guests through exceptional drinking experiences that complement our culinary offerings. We're looking for a knowledgeable and personable wine professional with genuine hospitality instincts, a deep cellar of expertise, and the ability to elevate every dining occasion. This hands-on role spans fine dining, French cuisine, and bar service — making it a uniquely varied and rewarding position.

About Our Venue

Hotel La Neige features a fine dining restaurant at the heart of the 5-star luxury hotel, driven by a philosophy of cuisine that speaks quietly but meaningfully of its time and place. With Michelin-starred aspirations, our team crafts beautifully composed menus that blend classical French technique with the seasonal rhythms of Shinshu. The Sommelier will play an integral role in curating wine pairings that honor and elevate this vision, working closely with our decorated incoming Culinary Director.

Sommelier Duties

• Wine & Beverage Program: Design, curate, and continuously develop wine lists across both venues, with particular depth in French and Italian selections. Source wines that align with each venue's culinary identity, manage the wine cellar, and build relationships with importers, distributors, and producers to secure exceptional and unique bottles.
• Guest Experience: Deliver outstanding tableside service, guiding guests through wine selections with confidence, warmth, and expertise. Curate tasting menus and food-and-wine pairing experiences in collaboration with the culinary team, and handle special requests and bespoke cellar experiences for VIP guests.
• Staff Training & Leadership: Train and develop front-of-house staff on wine knowledge, service etiquette, and upselling techniques. Conduct regular wine training sessions and tastings to build team confidence, and collaborate with Restaurant & Bar Managers to ensure seamless beverage service.
• Beverage Operations: Manage all aspects of beverage ordering, receiving, and inventory for wine, sake, spirits, and non-alcoholic offerings. Maintain accurate cellar records and ensure compliance with all licensing, health, and safety regulations related to alcohol service.
• Financial Management: Price wine lists strategically to balance guest value with venue profitability. Track beverage costs, report to the F&B Director on performance, and assist in the preparation of beverage budgets and seasonal menu updates.

What You Need

• Recognized sommelier certification (Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET Level 3 or above, or equivalent)
• Previous experience as a Sommelier in a fine dining or high-end hospitality environment
• Legal right to live and work in Japan (visa support is offered for the right candidates)
• Deep knowledge of French and Italian wine regions, producers, and vintages
• Familiarity with sake, Japanese spirits, and Asian beverage trends is highly desirable
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to work flexible hours, evenings, mornings, weekends, and holidays
• Strong work ethic and a team-first mentality
• Strong command of English and Japanese
• Driving license and International Driving Permit

What We Would Like You To Be Like

• You have a genuine passion for wine, food, and the art of hospitality
• You are reliable, respectful, and professional in attitude and appearance
• You enjoy working in a team and adapt easily to new environments
• You are solution-focused and calm under pressure
• You love nature, snow, and creating memorable guest experiences
  
• You approach learning with curiosity — always seeking to deepen your palate and knowledge

What We Can Do For You

• A competitive monthly salary
• Subsidized private accommodation
• Discounts at HHG venues and accommodations
• The opportunity to live, work, and play in one of the world's snowiest ski resorts
• Social events and team activities
• Potential for longer-term opportunities and career growth within HHG