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 and beverage list, supplier relationships, cost management, and floor execution.

Key Responsibilities

- Take ownership of the wine and beverage 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 rapid-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 and 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.

📌 Head Sommelier (Stirling)
🏢 Restaurant Aptos
📍 Stirling