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
09.2012 - 09.2016

Bar Smarts Certification

BarSmarts
05.2020 - 06.2020

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 - 06.2020

    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
    09.2012 - 09.2016
    Austin HamiltonBeverage Director & Sommelier