Sara Basham Email & Phone Number

Virginia Beach, Virginia

As Sommelier, I cultivate and maintain an award winning wine program for the Cavalier Hotel, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. Responsible for selection, purchasing, inventory, pricing, updating menus, and educating staff and guests on all wines offered in both a Fine Dining and Banquet setting. Direct interaction with guests on the restaurant floor and aid staff with sales and service, as well as coordinating with the culinary team to provide food and wine pairings for all levels of dining service throughout the hotel. Sales goals for both by the glass and by the bottle were exceeded in the first six months the property was open, both in number of units sold, and sales pricing. As Restaurant Supervisor, I reported to Restaurant Management and worked independently to oversee all Front of House and In Room Dining operations on a daily basis to ensure guest satisfaction. Direct staff oversight and training each shift, managing labor budgets, completing shift reports, and direct guest interactions were all integral to providing Five Star Service and building and maintaining a dining program that is currently rated Number 2 in Virginia Beach, Va in our first six months of operation.

Norfolk, Virginia Area

Responsible for all aspects of running a successful Wine Program including maintaining a 250+ label wine list with over 30 by the glass options, inventory, ordering, pricing, deciding on new product, projecting sales trends for future sales, and staff training. This includes building relationships and sales from direct contact with vendors and wine makers/winery representatives, both on and off site, as well as guests in the restaurant.