Eric Zegzula
Richland,United States
Summary
Highly skilled Sommelier experienced in supporting restaurant operations. Maintained communication while working closely with servers, hosts and managers. Expert at providing exceptional customer service by quickly and energetically completing special requests.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sommelier
Bookwalter Winery
Richland, WA
09.2021 - 10.2023
- Assisted customers with selecting appropriate wines for their meals or special occasions.
- Reviewed wine labels and vintages to recommend the best options for customers.
- Developed extensive knowledge of wines, including flavors, aromas, regions, and winemaking techniques.
- Conducted staff training sessions on proper wine service procedures.
- Advised clients on how to properly store and serve wines at optimal temperatures.
- Provided exceptional customer service by responding quickly and efficiently to inquiries regarding wine selections.
- Engaged guests through conversation about the various styles of wines available.
- Recommended bottles from the cellar based on customer preference and budget constraints.
- Prepared orders for delivery or shipment according to established guidelines.
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Took reservations and to-go orders to streamline process for both customer and restaurant.
- Prepared checks, itemizing total meal costs and taxes.
- Brought wine selections to tables with appropriate glasses and poured for customers.
Sommelier
Anthony's Homeport
Richland, WA
08.2004 - 11.2019
- Circulated within assigned areas to assess and address customer needs, effectively prioritizing tasks during peak hours.
- Presented menus and answered questions regarding items.
- Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
- Explained menu options to guests, offered suggestions and took orders for food and beverages.
- Trained new employees to perform duties.
- Maintained polite and professional demeanor to patrons to encourage inquiries and order placements.
- Garnished dishes and beverages to serve visually appealing menu items.
- Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
- Explained menu items, describing ingredients and cooking methods upon request.
- Reviewed wine list regularly in line with current trends, list appeals to diverse customer base.
- Memorized menu choices and major ingredients in food, predominate flavors and textures to answer guest questions and recommend wine choices.
- Supervised direct beverage orders, checking items for correct quantity, brand and size, returning broken or leaking bottles for credit immediately.
- Shared wine knowledge with employees, encouraging team to develop wine knowledge through regular training sessions.
- Made wine recommendations with knowledge and confidence of correct wine and food pairings.
- Monitored stock levels in order to maintain adequate supply while minimizing overstocking issues.
- Researched new vineyards, wineries, varietals, and vintage releases for potential selection additions.
- Recommended bottles from the cellar based on customer preference and budget constraints.
- Tracked sales data in order to identify trends in customer preferences.
- Created detailed reports of food pairings and suggested wines for menu items.
- Organized regular tastings and educational seminars in order to promote new products to customers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Cyber Security
Columbia Basin College
Pasco, WA01-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Washington
Seattle, WA01-1998
Skills
- Staff Training and Development
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Special Events
- Inventory Management
- Guest Relations Management
Affiliations
- Ambassador of the CyberHawks, a student club that gathers weekly to explore topics of interest in Cyber Security and engage in collegiate competition
- Student Delegate of WA-SEN, a student-WA State Legislature interface organization
Accomplishments
- WA State Wine Commission, Sommelier of the Year, 2010
Certification
- Certified Sommelier, International Court of Sommeliers, 2011
Timeline
Sommelier
Bookwalter Winery
09.2021 - 10.2023
Sommelier
Anthony's Homeport
08.2004 - 11.2019
Bachelor of Science - Cyber Security
Columbia Basin College
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Washington
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