Cheval Blanc Head Sommelier

About Cheval Blanc

Cheval Blanc, the exceptional hospitality Maison created by LVMH, embodies a contemporary art of welcoming guests in some of the world’s most coveted destinations. From Courchevel to the Maldives, Saint-Tropez, Paris and beyond, the brand combines architectural distinction, haute gastronomy, refined service and deeply personal experiences. As an employer, Cheval Blanc offers an environment where excellence is nurtured through craftsmanship, attention to detail and genuine warmth. Its teams are invited to grow within a culture that values discretion, creativity, emotional intelligence and the pursuit of perfection, contributing to a singular vision of luxury hospitality shaped by elegance, generosity and savoir-faire.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead the Sommellerie team, reporting directly to the Food & Beverage Manager.
• Define the cellar strategy and research and select wines and beverages for a wine list aligned with luxury trends and an international clientele.
• Lead, mentor, motivate and develop the Sommellerie team, establishing service standards and performance metrics.
• Implement sales strategies and promote wine-related events.
• Provide wine consultation, anticipate and exceed guest expectations, and personally manage interactions with high-profile clientele.
• Oversee cellar operations, including inventory control, procurement, wine storage, cost control and stock optimization.
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, HACCP regulations and LQA standards across wine management and service.
• Collaborate with the kitchen brigade, the Food & Beverage team and relevant operational departments.
• Produce cellar performance reports and analyze sales and consumption trends to inform strategic decisions.
• Represent Hotel Pitrizza and its values, developing relationships with suppliers, winemakers and media to elevate the property's wine reputation.
• Maintain up-to-date expertise in the global wine landscape and participate in tastings, trade fairs and continuous learning for self and team.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in luxury sommellerie, including at least 3–5 years in a leadership role within five-star luxury hotels or Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Extensive, accredited knowledge of the global and Italian wine landscape, spirits and beverages; top-tier certifications such as the WSET Diploma or Advanced Sommelier certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers are preferred.
• Managerial competencies in financial control, including budgeting, inventory and food and beverage cost management, and revenue maximization through commercial strategies.
• Strategic capability in long-term cellar planning, with precision in service delivery and operational execution.
• Fluency in Italian and English; proficiency in a third language, such as French, is an advantage.
• Ability to inspire, train and develop a high-performing team while fostering a collaborative culture of excellence.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage and train staff and build rapport with sophisticated international clientele and key external stakeholders.
• Flexibility to manage demanding schedules and maintain composure and high service standards in a fast-paced, high-pressure luxury environment.

Skills

Experience

At least 10 years in luxury sommellerie, including at least 3–5 years in a leadership role within five-star luxury hotels or Michelin-starred restaurants.

Culture

Cheval Blanc fosters a refined, intimate workplace culture where exceptional service is shaped by creativity, discretion, and a deeply personalized sense of hospitality. As an employer, it encourages teams to cultivate craftsmanship, emotional intelligence, and attention to detail within an environment that values elegance, collaboration, and continuous excellence.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.