Sommelier at Vendador

Vendador Luxury Private Dining | Chicago, IL
Part-Time • 2-4 Events Per Week • Evening Shifts

This is an ideal supplemental income position for a wine-passionate professional who already has a primary job and is looking to pick up premium event shifts during free evenings. We're seeking someone who loves wine, enjoys intimate luxury hospitality settings, and wants to work special events rather than traditional restaurant service.

Imagine arriving at a beautiful home before dinner, exploring a private wine cellar, and hand-selecting bottles to pair with a Michelin-trained chef's tasting menu. You'll share stories about each wine as guests savor every course, creating memorable moments around the table. This isn't high-volume restaurant service—it's the art of intimate hospitality at its finest. You will work closely with Chef and the Vendador team, and support service from start to finish.

The Reality:

• Average 2-4 events per week (variable)
• Primarily Wednesday-Sunday evenings, ~6-8 hours per event (includes set up and break down)
• Schedule provided 1-4 weeks in advance
• Flexible around your primary job commitments
• Event guest count ranges from 2 to 25 on average.

Vendador is Chicago's premier luxury private dining company. Founded in 2021 by Chef Francis Pascal, we deliver high end Michelin-trained culinary experiences in clients' homes and private venues throughout Chicagoland. All menus are personalized and all experiences require enlightened hospitality and impeccable attention to detail.

You'll curate wine pairings from clients' personal cellars and/or present tasting notes during service, and provide full table service for multi-course tasting menus. This is NOT wine-only service—you must be comfortable serving food and wine, but your primary value is wine expertise and guest engagement. We require charistmatic and passionate individuals who are confident speaking in front of clients in their homes.

Wine Expertise:

• Wine certification strongly preferred (WSET Level 3+, CMS Introductory/Certified, or equivalent. Will consider WSET Level 2 if paired with several years of fine dining service experience).
• Ability to navigate private wine cellars and create thoughtful pairings
• Confident presenting wines with engaging storytelling and tasting notes
• Experience with fine wines, diverse regions, and rare bottles
• Craft cocktail skills are a bonus but not required

Service Experience:

• 2+ years fine dining service experience
• Comfortable serving multi-course tasting menus in clients' homes
• Impeccable table service technique and etiquette

Personal Attributes:

• Charismatic and conversational—you make clients feel like friends, not transactions
• Confident speaking at the table in intimate settings
• Professional discretion in clients' homes
• Flexible and reliable with variable scheduling
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation (events throughout Chicagoland)

Pre-Service (1-2 hours before dinner):

• Unload plates and glassware, support FOH team in set up
• Explore client's wine cellar and select pairings for the tasting menu
• Consider menu components, client preferences, and occasion
• Prepare wines for service (decanting, temperature, glassware)

During Service (3-5 hours):

• Present each wine pairing with engaging tasting notes and stories
• Execute refined table service for multi-course tasting menus
• Coordinate timing with kitchen team for seamless progression
• Manage wine pours, maintain glassware, and anticipate guest needs
• Serve cocktails, aperitifs, or digestifs as requested

Post-Service:

• Assist with breakdown and cleaning
• Communicate client preferences or notes to team

• Private homes and event venues throughout Chicago and suburbs
• Primarily Thursday-Sunday evenings (4pm-11pm window)
• Must drive to various locations
• Stand and move 6-8 hours per event; lift up to 50 pounds

• Competitive event-based compensation plus tips
• Work with exceptional wine collections in luxury homes
• Intimate team culture where you're valued
• Flexible scheduling around your primary job
• Professional development through diverse wine experiences

• Going Above and Beyond – Exceed expectations in every interaction
• Devotion – Deep commitment to craft, clients, and team
• Integrity – Honesty and unwavering ethical standards
• Humility – Openness to learning and genuine respect for others

Submit your resume and brief cover letter addressing:

• Your wine certifications and passion for wine
• Why you're seeking supplemental event work
• Your typical weekly availability
• Why Vendador's intimate model appeals to you

Optional: Share a favorite wine memory or recent wine that excited you.

Vendador is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.