⚜⚜⚜ Ireland/Clare - Head Sommelier f/m/d - Dromoland Castle Hotel - Premium Listing (A legendary Irish landmark seeking a Head Sommelier to shape its next chapter of wine excellence.)
Dromoland Castle is one of Ireland’s most iconic five-star hotels — a place where centuries of noble heritage meet the finest in contemporary luxury. Set amidst the rolling countryside of County Clare, it embodies Irish elegance, warm hospitality, and world-class gastronomy.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Sommelier to lead and elevate the castle’s distinguished wine program. In this pivotal role, you will:
Play a key role in upholding Dromoland Castle’s pursuit of Forbes Five-Star service standards.
Deliver an exceptional and immersive wine experience across fine dining, elegant lounges, and luxury events.
Combine operational expertise with strategic vision to oversee all aspects of wine service and cellar excellence.
Manage supplier relations, curated pairings, and cellar operations with precision and creativity.
Lead, mentor, and inspire your Sommelier team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
Your Role as Head Sommelier at Dromoland Castle Hotel
In the role of Head Sommelier, you will shape unforgettable dining moments, combining your expertise in wine, culinary knowledge, and dedication to exceptional hospitality.
Key Responsibilities:
Oversee the complete wine operation, including wine list development, purchasing, stock management, and supplier relations.
Maintain precise stock control, ensuring accurate inventory levels, proper rotation, and impeccable cellar organisation, cleanliness, and security.
Collaborate with the Purchasing Department to guarantee timely, cost-efficient procurement for daily service and special events.
Guest Experience & Service Delivery
Elevate guest satisfaction by delivering memorable experiences that meet or exceed Forbes Five-Star standards.
Provide expert wine service across all outlets, emphasizing bespoke pairings and personalized guest engagement.
Boost revenue through thoughtful upselling of wines, champagnes, aperitifs, and digestifs.
Der Sales, Strategy & Innovation
Continuously refine the wine list to keep it engaging, well-balanced, and aligned with Dromoland Castle’s culinary vision.
Monitor industry trends and collaborate with Chefs and F&B teams to develop dynamic wine and beverage pairings.
Ensure impeccable pre-service preparation, including chilled wines, polished glassware, and all elements required for flawless service and events.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead, mentor, and motivate the Sommelier and wider service team to achieve exceptional standards consistently.
Conduct regular performance reviews, workplace assessments, and targeted training sessions to develop team skills.
Foster a culture of excellence, emphasizing service quality, product knowledge, and meticulous attention to detail.
Operational Excellence
Oversee cellar organisation and ensure strict adherence to SOPs covering requisitions, procurement, stock control, and loss prevention.
Maintain full compliance with health, hygiene, and safety regulations across all beverage storage and service areas.
Prepare accurate reports and documentation, utilising systems such as Procure Wizard to support efficient operations.
The Ideal Candidate
Proven experience as a Head Sommelier in luxury, fine-dining, or five-star hospitality environments.
Deep knowledge of global wine regions, varietals, vintages, and expert food pairings.
Exceptional communication and guest service skills, demonstrating a warm and confident approach.
Hands-on leadership, inspiring and developing team members to achieve excellence.
Highly organised and commercially aware, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Experience with stock control systems, such as Procure Wizard, is advantageous.
WSET 3 qualifications or equivalent are preferred.
Benefits
Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
Pension scheme to support long-term financial security.
Sick pay scheme for peace of mind.
Complimentary access to the leisure centre.
Free meals while on duty.
On-site parking for convenience.
Wellness and wellbeing programme to support a healthy work-life balance.
Discounted rates across Dromoland Resort & Estate.
Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
