Interviewers ask this question to see how you work with others and handle challenges in a team. You should say that you listen carefully to understand their perspective, communicate calmly and respectfully, and work together to find a compromise or solution.

Example: When disagreements arise, I make sure to really listen and understand where my colleague is coming from. I stay calm and communicate openly, focusing on the issue rather than the person. Often, a quick chat helps us find common ground or a solution that works for both. For example, once a team member and I had different ideas on wine pairings, but discussing our views led to a better menu choice everyone was happy with.

This interview question gauges your basic understanding of the wine production process, showing your foundational knowledge and passion for the craft. You need to explain the key steps: harvesting grapes, fermentation, aging, and bottling, highlighting your awareness of how each stage impacts the final product.

Example: Certainly. Wine production begins with carefully harvesting ripe grapes, often by hand to preserve quality. These grapes are then crushed and fermented, where yeast converts sugars into alcohol. After fermentation, the wine is aged—sometimes in oak barrels, lending unique flavors. Once matured, it’s clarified, filtered, and bottled. For example, Champagne undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle to create its characteristic bubbles. Each step shapes the final character of the wine we enjoy.

Interviewers ask this to see how you create a positive experience for diverse guests, showing your ability to connect and respect different preferences. You should explain that you actively listen to understand each guest's needs, use inclusive language, and greet everyone warmly to ensure they feel comfortable and valued.

Example: Creating a welcoming space starts with truly paying attention to what each guest enjoys and values. I make it a point to respect different backgrounds and tastes, which helps people feel comfortable and appreciated. For example, suggesting wines that reflect a guest’s preferences or cultural traditions often sparks enjoyable conversations and a relaxed atmosphere, making everyone feel included and well cared for throughout their visit.

Interviewers ask this to see if you can enhance sales while maintaining a positive customer experience. You need to say you listen to the customer's preferences and suggest wines that genuinely match their taste, highlighting the benefits without pressuring them.

Example: I focus on understanding the guest’s preferences, then suggest wines that genuinely complement their meal or taste. For example, if someone enjoys crisp whites, I might mention a lesser-known vineyard with great reviews, sharing a bit of the story behind it. It’s about offering helpful guidance, not pressure, so guests feel they’re making a choice that enhances their experience rather than being sold to.

This question assesses your ability to stay calm, empathize, and provide solutions under pressure. You need to say that you listen carefully to their concerns, suggest alternative wines based on their preferences, and ensure they leave satisfied with your service.

Example: When a guest isn’t happy with their wine, I listen carefully to understand what’s missing—whether it’s taste, body, or style. I might suggest a different bottle or pour a small sample to find a better fit. For example, if someone expected something lighter but got a fuller wine, I’d offer a softer alternative, ensuring they feel valued and enjoy their experience.

This interview question aims to see how you work well with others to ensure smooth service and a pleasant atmosphere. You should say that you communicate openly about wine stock and customer needs, support your teammates during busy times, and keep a positive attitude to boost team morale.

Example: I believe keeping open and honest communication helps everyone stay on the same page, especially during busy service times. I’m always ready to lend a hand if a colleague needs support, whether it’s with a tricky wine recommendation or setting up. Staying approachable and respectful creates a friendly tone that makes the whole team feel valued and motivated to do their best together.

This interview question helps assess your understanding of wine regions and styles, showing your knowledge of tradition versus innovation in winemaking. You need to explain that Old World wines come from traditional European regions with stricter rules and more subtle flavors, while New World wines come from newer regions with bolder, fruit-forward profiles and more experimental techniques.

Example: Old World wines, like those from France or Italy, often emphasize tradition, with subtle, earthy flavors and higher acidity. New World wines—from places like Australia or California—tend to be fruit-forward and bolder, reflecting a more experimental approach. For example, a Bordeaux might be more restrained, while a Californian Cabernet could be rich and opulent. Both styles offer unique experiences depending on what you enjoy.

Hiring managers ask this question to see how you use your knowledge and interpersonal skills to create a positive experience and guide customers. You need to show that you listen to their preferences, provide clear and relatable information, and offer a tasting or alternative to build their confidence.

Example: When a guest is hesitant about a new wine, I listen closely to their preferences and share a relatable story or simple tasting notes to ease their concerns. For example, if they like fruity reds, I might suggest a similar, approachable varietal and describe its flavours in an inviting way. It’s about creating a relaxed experience, helping them feel confident and curious rather than pressured.

Hiring managers ask this to see if you understand how environment influences wine quality and character. You need to explain that terroir refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and geography that shapes the flavor and style of wine.

Example: Terroir refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and landscape where grapes are grown, shaping a wine’s character. It’s why a Pinot Noir from Burgundy tastes different from one in Oregon. This connection to place brings complexity and authenticity, making each bottle a true reflection of its origin. Understanding terroir helps a steward recommend wines that express their vineyard’s story beautifully.

This question assesses your ability to multitask efficiently without compromising customer experience. You need to explain that you prioritize tasks, stay organized, and maintain clear communication to ensure every guest feels valued.

Example: When managing several tables, I stay calm and prioritize clear communication. I listen carefully to each guest’s needs, then organize service steps to ensure timely attention without rushing anyone. For example, I might take wine orders from one table while checking on another’s food preferences, so every guest feels valued and relaxed throughout their experience. It’s about balancing efficiency with genuine care.

Interviewers want to see that you handle inventory challenges efficiently to avoid stock shortages or losses. You need to explain how you monitor stock regularly, communicate quickly with suppliers or team members, and take immediate action to correct discrepancies.

Example: When I notice discrepancies in inventory, I first double-check records and physically count stock to pinpoint the issue. Communicating swiftly with the team helps clarify any misunderstandings. For example, if a shipment is delayed or misplaced, I coordinate with suppliers and update our system to keep everything accurate. Staying proactive and thorough helps prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems down the line.

Employers ask this question to understand how you connect with customers and drive sales effectively. You need to explain how you identified customer preferences, describe the sales tactics you used, and share the positive results you achieved from your strategy.

Example: In my previous role, I focused on really understanding each guest’s taste by asking about their meal and preferences. Based on that, I recommended wines that complemented their dishes, sometimes suggesting lesser-known bottles to create a unique experience. This personal touch not only boosted sales but also led to repeat customers who appreciated the tailored advice and felt confident exploring new flavours.

Employers ask this to see if you understand how to enhance the dining experience through thoughtful pairings. You should explain the importance of balancing flavors, give a clear example like pairing Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese, and mention adapting your recommendations to suit customer tastes or dietary needs.

Example: When pairing wine with food, I consider the balance of flavors and textures. For example, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc works well with fresh seafood, while a rich Cabernet complements hearty red meat. I always listen to the guest’s preferences and remain flexible, ensuring the wine enhances the meal and their experience. It’s about creating harmony on the plate and in the glass to elevate the overall enjoyment.

What they want to know is how well you work with others to deliver great service, ensuring customers have a seamless and enjoyable experience. You need to say that you communicate clearly with your team, support each other during busy times, and collaborate to solve problems quickly to keep customers satisfied.

Example: Teamwork is crucial in delivering excellent service because it keeps everything running smoothly. When everyone communicates clearly and supports one another, we can quickly address any issues—like adjusting a wine pairing if a guest changes their mind—without disrupting the experience. Working together not only helps solve problems efficiently but also makes the customer feel valued and well cared for throughout their visit.

This interview question helps the interviewer understand how you maintain performance under pressure during busy periods. You need to say that you use techniques like deep breathing or quick mental breaks to stay calm, adapt your workflow based on customer flow, and work closely with colleagues to manage the workload effectively.

Example: During busy service, I stay grounded by focusing on the task at hand and taking a moment to breathe when things get hectic. I keep communication clear and concise with the team, which helps us stay coordinated and support each other. If something unexpected comes up, I quickly adjust my approach without losing sight of delivering a great experience. This balance keeps me calm and efficient throughout the shift.

Questions like this help interviewers see how you identify problems and use creativity to improve performance in your role. In your answer, describe a specific challenge you faced as a wine steward, explain the unique solution you implemented, and share the positive results that followed.

Example: In a previous role, I noticed guests often felt overwhelmed by our extensive wine list. I introduced curated flight tastings that paired small pours with specific dishes, making wine selection more approachable. This not only enhanced the dining experience but increased wine sales by encouraging guests to try multiple varieties without committing to full bottles. It became a popular way to engage customers and boost our revenue.

Questions like this assess your understanding of wine characteristics and your ability to evaluate them critically. You need to explain that you assess quality by considering appearance, aroma, flavor balance, and finish.

Example: When assessing a wine’s quality, I look for balance—how the acidity, tannins, alcohol, and fruit come together smoothly. A good wine feels harmonious, not overpowering. I also consider complexity; does it reveal different flavors as I taste it? For example, a well-made Pinot Noir might start with bright cherry notes and unfold gentle earthy hints, showing depth without harshness. Ultimately, it’s about how enjoyable and memorable the wine is.

Hiring managers ask this to see how you handle pressure and keep service smooth during busy times. You should explain how you spotted the problem quickly, took clear steps to fix it without upsetting guests, and stayed calm and professional throughout.

Example: During a busy dinner service, I noticed a key bottle of wine was missing just as an order came in. I quickly checked our stock, offered a similar recommendation to the guest, and communicated with the kitchen to adjust pairing suggestions. Staying calm helped the team stay efficient, and the guest appreciated the attentive service despite the hiccup. It felt rewarding to turn a potential issue into a positive experience.

This interview question assesses your commitment to staying updated and your ability to apply new knowledge to enhance customer experience. You should say that you regularly read industry publications, attend tastings or workshops, and use what you learn to recommend wines and better serve customers.

Example: I keep up with new wines and trends by reading industry magazines and tasting regularly whenever I can. Visiting wine fairs and chatting with suppliers also helps me discover new labels. I enjoy sharing these insights with customers, recommending wines that match their tastes or current trends. It’s important to me to keep learning, so I often attend workshops or online courses to stay sharp and confident in my recommendations.

What they want to know is how you keep clear, timely communication to avoid mistakes and ensure smooth service. You need to say that you use concise, respectful language and stay attentive to both verbal and nonverbal cues from your team throughout the shift.

Example: I focus on clear, concise communication, especially during busy moments. A quick check-in before service helps us align on special requests or menus. During service, I use simple signals or short phrases to keep things smooth without disrupting guests. For example, if a bottle is running low, a discreet nod or word keeps the team informed. It’s about staying connected without slowing the flow.

What they want to know is if you can stay calm and professional while resolving issues and ensuring customer satisfaction. You need to say you listen carefully, empathize, and offer solutions to make sure the guest feels valued and happy.

Example: When a guest shares a concern, I listen carefully and stay calm to understand their point of view. Once, a customer found a wine too tannic for their taste—I suggested a lighter alternative and explained the difference. It’s about turning the moment into a positive experience, showing you value their enjoyment and are willing to find the right choice for them.

Interviewers ask this question to see how well you understand and connect with customers’ tastes while showcasing your wine knowledge and communication skills. You need to say that you actively listen by asking about their flavor preferences, explain wine qualities in simple terms related to those tastes, and build trust by sharing personal recommendations or stories.

Example: When helping customers choose a wine, I start by asking about their favourite flavours or dishes they’re pairing with. I listen carefully to pick up on specific tastes they enjoy, then suggest wines that highlight those notes. I like to describe the wine in relatable terms—like its fruitiness or body—to help them imagine the experience. This approach builds confidence and makes the choice feel personal and enjoyable.

This question helps the interviewer see how you take initiative and communicate to enhance the customer's experience. You need to share a specific example where you identified a customer's needs, communicated clearly to recommend something special, and achieved a positive result like customer satisfaction or repeat visits.

Example: Once, a guest wasn’t sure which wine would suit their meal. I took the time to ask about their tastes and recommended a lesser-known vintage that perfectly complemented their dish. They were thrilled by the pairing and even asked for my advice again later in the evening. Seeing their genuine enjoyment made me realise how thoughtful guidance can really elevate someone's experience.

Questions like this assess your teamwork and communication skills in a fast-paced environment. You need to explain how you collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate service smoothly and enhance the guest’s experience.

Example: In a previous role, I worked closely with the kitchen to pair wines that complemented each dish perfectly. During a busy service, I noticed a special on the menu had changed slightly, so I checked in with the chef to adjust my recommendations accordingly. This collaboration helped create a more cohesive experience for guests, ensuring both food and wine enhanced each other seamlessly.

Questions like this assess your ability to manage customer dissatisfaction calmly and professionally, crucial for maintaining the restaurant's reputation. You need to explain that you listen carefully to the customer's concern, acknowledge the issue, and offer a suitable solution such as replacing the wine or suggesting an alternative.

Example: If a customer expresses concern about the wine, I listen carefully to understand their experience without making assumptions. I might suggest a different bottle that better suits their taste or offer to replace the wine if it’s genuinely flawed. In one instance, a guest found a red too tannic, so I recommended a smoother alternative, which they appreciated—turning a potential issue into a positive experience.