Melikhaya Sondezi
Dubai,UAE
Summary
Sommelier with 10 years of experience in luxury hotels and restaurants, including NOBU and Four Seasons. Expertise in leading wine programs and curating exceptional dining experiences, particularly in Asian cuisine. Proven ability to mentor service teams to achieve Michelin-level standards and manage wine and sake pairings effectively. Strong skills in cellar management and supplier relationship building, ready to contribute to NOBU One Za'abeel.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Sommelier
Sea Fu Restaurant at The Four Seasons Resorts DJB
Dubai, UAE
10.2024 - Current
- Developed comprehensive wine list featuring diverse selections to enhance dining experience.
- Conducted regular staff training sessions to elevate wine knowledge and service standards.
- Collaborated with culinary team to create harmonious pairings for seasonal menu offerings.
- Oversaw wine inventory management ensuring optimal stock levels and quality control.
- Maintained extensive knowledge of international wines, providing expert advice to clientele.
- Increased revenue through upselling premium wines and spirits to customers.
Junior Resort Sommelier/NOBU Cape Town Sommelier
One&Only Resorts
Cape Town, South Africa
03.2015 - 08.2024
- Curated extensive wine list to enhance guest experience and align with resort's luxury standards.
- Conducted personalised wine tastings for guests, educating them on flavour profiles and regions.
- Collaborated with culinary team to create harmonious pairings, elevating dining experiences for guests.
- Assisted in training staff on wine service techniques, promoting knowledge and confidence across the team.
- Monitored inventory levels, ensuring availability of premium wines and timely reordering to meet demand.
- Engaged with guests to gather feedback on wine selections, fostering relationships and enhancing satisfaction.
- Educated customers about different characteristics of wines such as origin, vintage and variety.
- Improved sales through effective promotion of premium bottles to patrons.
- Assisted in menu creation for optimal wine pairing.
- Managed cellar inventory, ensuring a diverse range of quality wines were available.
- Ordered, controlled and rotated wine stock to facilitate smooth NOBU Cape Town operations.
Education
SASA Advanced Sommelier - Hospitality
Sommelier Academy Of South Africa (SASA)
Cape Town 05.2016 - 08.2018
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines - Hospitality (Food & Beverage)
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Cape Town 10.2017 - 11.2017
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits - Hospitality (Food & Beverage)
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Cape Town 11.2017 - 12.2017
Skills
- Wine & Sake Pairings
- Luxury Guest Experience
- Cellar & Inventory Management
- Staff Training & Mentorship
- Upselling & Revenue Growth
- Fine-Dining Service Excellence
Languages
English
Native
IsiXhosa
Native
Accomplishments
2nd Runner Up 2017 Cape Legends Inter Hotel Challenge (Young Sommelier Competition)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sommelier
Sea Fu Restaurant at The Four Seasons Resorts DJB
10.2024 - Current
WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits - Hospitality (Food & Beverage)
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
11.2017 - 12.2017
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines - Hospitality (Food & Beverage)
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
10.2017 - 11.2017
SASA Advanced Sommelier - Hospitality
Sommelier Academy Of South Africa (SASA)
05.2016 - 08.2018
Junior Resort Sommelier/NOBU Cape Town Sommelier
One&Only Resorts
03.2015 - 08.2024