Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Austin Hamilton

Beverage Director & Sommelier
Nashville,TN

Summary

A dedicated hospitality professional intrinsically motivated to create exemplary guest experiences. Focused on curation with intent, working as part of a unified team, and continuing education.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Beverage Director

Deacon's New South
02.2019 - Current

Operations

  • Created and maintained operational procedures for the beverage program, improving daily work flow
  • Oversaw selection, ordering and inventory controls of wine, beer and spirits program.
  • Developed close relationships with producers and vendors leading to improved pricing and allocated product availability.
  • Built stronger wine lists aligned with consumer trends and the needs of the restaurant. Curated a more dynamic wine and spirits program and raised profitability.
  • Used historical data to maintain quality and consistency of the beverage program under budgetary constraints

Education

  • Consistently implemented continued staff education in wine and spirits using the CMS method of deductive tasting and partnering with producers for hands-on training
  • Worked one-on-one with associates to improve wine proficiency and instill confidence when serving guests

Service

  • Created custom programs and menus while partnering with producers to provide unique guest experiences
  • Represented establishment professionally with guests and earned consistent repeat and referral business.
  • Continually worked as Lead Sommelier to skillfully guide guests and create a comfortable and inviting experience around wine

Private Events Associate

Levy Hospitality
09.2018 - 04.2023
  • Worked in daily operations to execute multiple coinciding events
  • Independently executed private events in multiple venues
  • Maintained a pleasant and consistent guest experience under high volume conditions

Education

Associate of Arts - Public Health

Mercer University
Macon, GA
2012.09 - 2016.09

Bar Smarts Certification

BarSmarts
05.2020 - 2020.06

CMS I

Court of Master Sommeliers
10.2022 - Current

Skills

    Wine List and Inventory Management

    Producer and Vendor Relations

    Guest Relations and Experience

    Team Development

Accomplishments

2023 & 2024 Wine Spectator - Award of Excellence for Deacon's New South


2023 HospitalityTN - Restaurant Employee of the Year


Published Sommelier contributor for Southern Living



References


  • Cliff Kimmerling

Constellation Brands- Field Sales Manager

(615)-415-0923


  • Shawn Berger

Director of Portfolio Operations 

(615)-768-1143


  • Jenn McCarthy

General Manager, Sommelier

(207)-653-5632


  • Brett Ritter

General Manager

(931)-374-2236


Timeline

CMS I

Court of Master Sommeliers
10.2022 - Current

Bar Smarts Certification

BarSmarts
05.2020 - 2020.06

Beverage Director

Deacon's New South
02.2019 - Current

Private Events Associate

Levy Hospitality
09.2018 - 04.2023

Associate of Arts - Public Health

Mercer University
2012.09 - 2016.09
Austin HamiltonBeverage Director & Sommelier