Sommelier

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Sommelier supports the hotel’s restaurant and beverage operation by managing wine selection, storage, purchasing, inventory, and service standards. Requirements generally include recognised wine qualifications such as WSET, strong knowledge of international wines, relevant experience in a luxury hotel or fine-dining restaurant, and excellent English communication skills. Cantonese or Mandarin is advantageous. The successful candidate is expected to advise guests confidently, conduct wine tastings, train service colleagues, maintain accurate stock records, and deliver polished, personalised service. Flexibility, attention to detail, commercial awareness, and the ability to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays are important.

About the employer

Shangri-La Group is a leading luxury hospitality company founded in Asia, operating hotels, resorts, and related businesses across major cities and leisure destinations worldwide. Its properties are known for attentive service, refined dining, comfortable accommodation, and a strong emphasis on genuine Asian hospitality. In Hong Kong, Shangri-La operates prestigious hotels including Island Shangri-La and Kowloon Shangri-La, with restaurants, bars, banquet facilities, and extensive guest services. Employees typically work in an international environment with opportunities for professional training, internal mobility, staff meals, medical coverage, and hotel-related benefits, depending on the position. The group places importance on service excellence, teamwork, integrity, cultural awareness, and creating memorable experiences for guests.

Working in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers strong opportunities in luxury hotels, restaurants, tourism, finance, retail, technology, and international business. The city is fast-paced and multicultural, with Cantonese traditions alongside substantial expatriate communities. Residents enjoy excellent public transport, diverse food, vibrant nightlife, shopping, hiking, beaches, and easy access to nearby islands and mainland China. Housing is expensive, particularly on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, so many newcomers share accommodation or live in areas such as the New Territories. Foreign professionals normally need an employment visa sponsored by a Hong Kong employer under the General Employment Policy; the job must meet eligibility and salary requirements. Employers usually provide guidance, but applicants should prepare passports, qualifications, references, and proof of experience. Moving costs, deposits, medical checks, and document authentication should be budgeted for. Learning basic Cantonese is helpful, although English is widely used in international hotels.