Restaurant Aptos

We are seeking a highly driven Head Sommelier to take ownership of the wine program at Restaurant Aptos and Bar Cruz in the Adelaide Hills. Following our recent recognition with 1 Michelin Star in the inaugural 2027 South Australia Guide, we are looking for a passionate wine professional to elevate our cellar and lead our dining room beverage experience.

This role oversees the wine direction, purchasing, and pairings for two distinct experiences:

Restaurant Aptos: Our flagship dining room featuring a progressive 16-course tasting menu served across three distinct rooms.

Bar Cruz: An intimate, bar-only 10-course omakase experience.

The Role You will be responsible for curating dynamic, boundary-pushing pairings, a refined bottle selection, and a compelling by-the-glass program that complements a highly technical menu focused on native Australian ingredients. You will be responsible for the wine list, all non-wine beverage offerings, supplier relationships, cost management, and floor execution.

Key Responsibilities

Take ownership of the wine list for Restaurant Aptos and Bar Cruz, driving the buying strategy and curation.

Design and execute precise, innovative wine pairings for our progressive tasting menu and 10-course omakase.

Manage cellar inventory, procurement, and cost-of-goods (COGS) to meet strict financial targets.

Lead by example on the floor, delivering seamless, world-class beverage service in a fast-paced, multi-room dining format.

Mentor and train the front-of-house team in wine knowledge, pairing philosophy, and service excellence.

Collaborate directly with the Executive Chef/owner to align beverage offerings with evolving modernist culinary techniques.

Who We Are Looking For

A seasoned wine professional with previous leadership or senior sommelier experience in Michelin-starred or multi-hatted dining environments.

Advanced CMS or WSET qualifications (preferred, though exceptional on-the-floor experience will be considered).

A deep, varied palate with extensive knowledge of both international benchmarks and avant-garde Australian producers.

Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record of managing COGS, inventory, and supplier negotiations.

A dynamic floor presence capable of matching the pacing and theatricality of a highly choreographed service.