Jose Lopez JR
Harbor City
Summary
Bilingual in English and Spanish skilled wine consultant with comprehensive knowledge of global wine market trends, procurement, and sales strategies. Proficient in conducting educational wine tastings, pairing recommendations, and client relationship management. Strengths include deep understanding of wine production processes, exceptional palate for discerning quality and varietal nuances, and ability to create impactful marketing initiatives that increase revenue.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
North Italia
El Segundo
08.2021 - Current
- Client-centered wine advising and relationship building
- Italian food and wine pairing expertise
- Translating technical wine knowledge into accessible language
- Sales through education and storytelling
- Confident tasting note delivery and style comparison
- High-level customer service in fast-paced fine-dining settings
Server
The Strand House
Manhattan Beach
07.2018 - 04.2021
- Delivered wine service in an upscale fine-dining environment
- Provided personalized wine recommendations aligned with guest preferences, cuisine, and budget
- Applied advanced wine knowledge to guide food and wine pairings for seasonal, chef-driven menus
- Drove wine sales through education-based recommendations
Inspection Inventory Assistant
SDSU Housing Administration
04.2017 - 07.2018
- Transported materials, e-waste, and furniture across school property.
- Conducted health and safety inspections of dormitories to ensure compliance.
- Reviewed requests for camera and video footage from university stakeholders.
- Assisted Project Specialist and Director of Housing with special projects and resource tracking.
- Managed school storage and emergency materials.
Merchandise Stocker
Costco
La Jolla
10.2016 - 01.2017
- Prepared store for opening by implementing effective product merchandising strategies.
- Facilitated high sales volume by assisting at front end to reduce long payment lines.
- Managed large warehouse operations, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and rapid problem-solving.
- Adapted to fast-paced work environment while ensuring employee engagement and productivity.
Education
WSET Level 3 - Wine
Fine Vintage/Wine And Spirits Education Trust
Beverly Hills, CA11-2025
Introductory Sommelier Level 1 CMS - Wine
Court of Master Sommeliers
Santa Barbara, CA01-2025
Bachelor’s - Criminal Justice Major, Sociology Minor
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA01.2018
Associates for Transfer - Administration of Justice, Behavioral Science
El Camino College
Torrance, CA05.2016
Skills
- Client-focused wine recommendations based on taste preferences, cuisine, and budget
- Food and wine pairing expertise, with emphasis on Italian cuisine
- Ability to translate technical wine knowledge into approachable guidance
- Confident in tableside wine service, bottle presentation, and tasting descriptions
- Strong sales and upselling skills rooted in hospitality and trust-building
- Conducting and assisting with wine tastings and staff/guest education
- Knowledge of classic and emerging wine regions and style differentiation
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and customer service skills
Timeline
Server
North Italia
08.2021 - Current
Server
The Strand House
07.2018 - 04.2021
Inspection Inventory Assistant
SDSU Housing Administration
04.2017 - 07.2018
Merchandise Stocker
Costco
10.2016 - 01.2017
WSET Level 3 - Wine
Fine Vintage/Wine And Spirits Education Trust
Introductory Sommelier Level 1 CMS - Wine
Court of Master Sommeliers
Bachelor’s - Criminal Justice Major, Sociology Minor
San Diego State University
Associates for Transfer - Administration of Justice, Behavioral Science
El Camino College