Omar Lima
Los Angeles
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Sommelier with a proven track record at achieving in wine sales. Expert in wine pairing and staff training, I excel in curating exceptional wine lists and fostering strong customer relationships, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. Passionate about elevating beverage programs and enhancing team knowledge.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Sommelier
Marea Restaurant
Beverly Hills
11.2024 - Current
- Providing expert wine recommendations to guests
- Conducted staff training programs to enhance by-the-glass sales.
- Recommended wine selections to enhance guest experience
- Managed monthly inventory and adjusted pricing in response to market trends.
Restaurant/ Bar Consultant / Wine Region Ambassador
Los Angeles
04.2024 - Current
- Working with several restaurants and wine bars across Los Angeles teaching staff on proper service in all beverage aspects.
- Refining wine lists for wine bars to create a better flow and representation of the ethos of each establishment
- Working with management and owners to purchase with better margin driven labels while still creating an individual list that is like no other.
- Working with the Vins De Bourgogne and Vins De Bordeaux to find venues to hold seminars and tastings throughout Los Angeles teaching about the wine regions in detail.
- I have currently led 14 trade seminars/tasting and have assisted in 10 wine events currently in 2024.
Lead Sommelier
Sushi Note Omakase
Beverly Hills
12.2023 - 04.2024
- Educated staff on all beverage choices.
- Curating beverage lists and wine pairings collaborating with the Chef in all details
- Recommending food and wine pairings to guests
- Advising guests on beverage options based on their personal tastes
- Ensuring that all bottles are stored correctly with our bin system
- Running monthly inventory and pricing changes according to the market
- Keeping up with wine, sake, beer and tea knowledge. Changes in styles or production details to further educate our staff to confidently speak to our guests
- Building strong relationships with our vendors. Allocation information and special bottle releases and rare bottles to create a more dynamic and exciting list
- Work with our General Manager to maintain a top-notch beverage program that meets and exceeds revenue goals
- Attending weekly distributor tastings and trade events to keep with the pulse of the industry.
Sommelier
SPAGO Wolfgang Puck
Beverly Hills
12.2021 - 12.2023
- Work with our Wine Director to keep up with trends and help procure wines that help our bottom line and update the 2000 plus bottle wine list.
- Educate the staff daily on new BTG/BTB by talking about the regions, producers and selling points to better instill confidence at their tables.
- Help manage inventory and track/ update daily sales.
- Providing excellent hospitality and wine recommendations and conducting sound business standards while providing Michelin star service.
- In charge of updating/printing our short wine list selections.
- Working the floor to support wherever needed where we average 300-500+ covers nightly.
- Creating the wine list for our Tasting Menus. Pairings change nightly.
Sommelier
The Rose
Venice Beach
04.2021 - 11.2021
- Educate the staff daily on new BTG/BTB by talking about the regions, producers and selling points to better instill confidence at their tables.
- Help manage inventory and track/ update daily sales. Providing monthly inventory sales and variance reports with explanations to our regional office.
- Providing excellent hospitality and wine recommendations and conduct sound business standards and sell wine at a great profit.
- Working the floor to support wherever needed where we average 300-600+ covers nightly.
- Work with our Wine Director to keep up with trends and help procure wines that help our bottom line and updating the wine list.
- Currently taking on the Wine Director
Head Sommelier
Montage Beverly Hills/Maybourne Hotel
Beverly Hills
08.2019 - 02.2021
- Working on the floor order taking, selling, servicing and ensuring proper all around service standards
- Ensuring established inventory by ordering all liquor and supplies in accordance with business needs
- Working with restaurant management to oversee beverage costs and pricing
- Supervising staff on a daily basis in all beverage operations in the hotel
- Assisting in training and development of staff, maintaining wine lists with other Sommeliers, and cocktail lists with Bartenders and Beverage Managers
Wine Director/General Manager
Augustine Wine Bar
02.2018 - 08.2019
- Day to day operations including scheduling, training bartenders, menu writing and payroll
- Buys wine to reflect Augustine's vision of serving vintage and esoteric wines
- Maintains Augustine's social media accounts
Sommelier/Shift Lead
Augustine Wine Bar
02.2017 - 02.2018
- Share extensive knowledge of vintage and rare bottles with customers
- Provide excellent service and recommendations based on the customer's taste/budget
- Uphold high level of service standards set by owners
Beverage Manager/Buyer
Bristol Farms
01.2017 - 02.2018
- Responsible for maintaining regional/national programs
- Oversaw building displays/merchandising according to seasonality
- Stays within purchasing budget in order to generate projected margin
Associate Team Leader/Wine/Beer Buyer
Whole Foods Market
Venice
02.2014 - 12.2016
- Along with two others ran the third highest grossing Specialty team in Whole Foods
- Managed financials including margin and labor
- Proficient in scheduling for proper coverage using excel
Education
Business management -
Los Angeles Valley college
01-2004
General Education -
College of the Canyons
01-2003
Skills
- Wine pairing
- Staff training
- Inventory management
- Wine list curation
- Market analysis
- Customer relationship management
- Cost control
- Budgeting and cost control
- Wine education
- Cellar management
- Wine list creation
Certifications Skills
- Court of Masters Certified Sommelier Level 2
- WSET level 2
- Certified Cicerone Beer Server
- Certified Sake Advisor
- Fluent in Spanish and English
- Certified Specialist of Wine (in progress)
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Sommelier
Marea Restaurant
11.2024 - Current
Restaurant/ Bar Consultant / Wine Region Ambassador
04.2024 - Current
Lead Sommelier
Sushi Note Omakase
12.2023 - 04.2024
Sommelier
SPAGO Wolfgang Puck
12.2021 - 12.2023
Sommelier
The Rose
04.2021 - 11.2021
Head Sommelier
Montage Beverly Hills/Maybourne Hotel
08.2019 - 02.2021
Wine Director/General Manager
Augustine Wine Bar
02.2018 - 08.2019
Sommelier/Shift Lead
Augustine Wine Bar
02.2017 - 02.2018
Beverage Manager/Buyer
Bristol Farms
01.2017 - 02.2018
Associate Team Leader/Wine/Beer Buyer
Whole Foods Market
02.2014 - 12.2016
Business management -
Los Angeles Valley college
General Education -
College of the Canyons