Kewal Chodankar
Mumbai
Summary
Friendly Sommelier with a proven track record of offering advanced knowledge to showcase and sell beverages to guests. Highly skilled in customer relations and front of house duties, enthusiastically completing a variety of tasks with efficiency. Experienced in curating extensive wine lists and providing exceptional customer service. Skilled at conducting wine tastings and pairings, ensuring memorable dining experiences. Committed to continuous learning and staying updated on wine trends and industry standards.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Beverage Manager - Sommelier
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
03.2025 - Current
- Curated wine lists of 160 labels to enhance dining experiences and support food pairings.
- Conducted tastings and educational sessions to promote wine knowledge among staff and patrons.
- Collaborated with suppliers to source high-quality wines, ensuring diverse selections for guests.
- Evaluated inventory levels and managed stock to optimize wine availability and reduce waste.
- Developed training materials for new staff on wine service protocols and tasting techniques.
- Mentored junior sommeliers, fostering a collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement in service quality.
- Managed wine inventory efficiently, ensuring proper storage conditions and rotation to maintain quality.
- Implemented seasonal beverage menu changes based on customer feedback and sales trends.
- Evaluated supplier performance, recommending adjustments to improve service delivery and product quality.
- Assisted in budget management by consistently reviewing and analyzing monthly financial reports, identifying areas for improvement or potential cost-saving opportunities.
- Ensured compliance with all local liquor laws and company policies regarding alcohol service and safety requirements.
Junior Sommelier
Six Senses Laamu
03.2024 - 03.2025
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, adjust inventory levels, and optimize wine list offerings for maximum profitability.
- Helped VIP-guests with their orders and requests, upholding venue integrity.
- Coordinated with event planners to select wines for special occasions, tailoring selections to clients' needs (MMI, Di-Vine Cellars & Grape Expectations).
- Trained restaurant staff on wine fundamentals, enhancing the dining experience through informed recommendations.
- Managed wine inventory, performed stock takes, and implemented rotation practices to maintain freshness and minimize waste.
- Provided guests with in-depth information on food and wine pairings & its origins.
- Curated extensive wine lists in collaboration with chefs to complement menu offerings, elevating overall meal satisfaction.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of wine trends, regions, and vintages, positioning as a knowledgeable industry expert.
- Held wine tasting sessions for guests to showcase the selection of beverages available and offering advanced knowledge of a variety of wines.
- Curated a broad wine list of 226 labels, and adapting with menu changes to maintain innovative offerings.
- Analyzed sales data to identify popular wines and adjust procurement strategies accordingly.
- Collaborated with marketing team to promote wine events and specials through various channels, increasing attendance and sales.
Assistant Manager – Hospitality
Grover Zampa Vineyards
02.2023 - 02.2024
- My role included managing 3 outlets (wine tasting room, restaurant & the wine store)
- Turned corporate mandates into actionable directives for mid- and low-level staff.
- Trained staff on wine knowledge, serving techniques, and customer service excellence.
- Oversaw the condition of the wine cellar, ensuring proper storage conditions to preserve quality.
- Led wine procurement strategy, assessing quality and value to enhance the establishment's wine offering.
- Participated in wine fairs and exhibitions to network with industry professionals and discover new products.
- Conducted wine tastings for patrons, offering expert insights into varietals, regions, and vintages to enhance dining experience.
- Advised customers on possible wait times and kitchen delays to manage expectations.
- Recognised and aided customers with special needs.
Food & Beverage Team Member
Taj Yeshwantpur
09.2021 - 01.2023
- My role included prompt service to the guests as well as handing bar operations.
- I was the sole responsible for liquor inventory & adding new wine labels to the list.
- Participated in mixology competitions, gaining recognition and awards for the establishment.
- Operated POS register to input orders and process customer payments.
- Implemented promotional events and special drink offerings to increase sales and attract new customers.
- Maintained an up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, continuously improving the beverage offering.
- Monitored alcohol consumption, intervening when necessary to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment.
- Balanced multiple customer orders simultaneously, demonstrating exceptional memory and organisational skills.
- Streamlined bar operations by introducing efficient work practices, significantly reducing customer waiting times.
Tasting Associate
Sula Vineyards
12.2020 - 08.2021
- My job role was to conduct tours and tastings on behalf of the Sula Vineyards.
- To explain the entire wine making process and teach people how to professionally taste wines.
- Sat in on meetings, hearings and conferences to document activities.
- Maintained exceptionally clean cellar and bar areas to minimize potential risks to health and safety.
- Assessed customer product budget and requirements through consultations.
- Trained restaurant staff on wine knowledge and pairing principles, improving service quality and customer engagement.
Internship Trainee
Masque Restaurant
06.2018 - 07.2018
- Provided guidance and support to guests with special needs, ensuring an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.
- Implemented promotional activities, informing guests of special offers and events.
- Adapted communication styles to suit clients' needs.
- Proactively interacted with guests, ensuring guest satisfaction was maintained, promptly acting upon requests when needed.
- Tailored beverage recommendations to guest preferences, enhancing their dining experience.
- Maintained customer loyalty by managing positive client relationships.
Education
B.A (Hons) - Hotel Management
University of Huddersfield
U.K.2020
12th Standard -
Nagindas Khandwala College
Mumbai01.2016
10th Standard -
Dr.S.Radhakrishnan.Vidyalaya
Mumbai01.2014
Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Media networking
- Event planning
- Promotions planning
- Beverage pricing
- Media contacts management
- People Management
- Menu development
- Wine pairing expertise
- Inventory management
Accomplishments
- Invited from Antinori & Gaja family in Italy for special vintage wine tasting, lunch & attending a wine-pro event in Tuscany & Umbria.
- Letter of Appreciation from the General Manager of Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur for providing extraordinary service to VVIP guests at Isha Ambani’s pre-wedding event.
- Received many Medallia comments from guests for prompt service, also received HyStar from the department (Hyatt Regency Mumbai).
- Completed the MS-CIT course by securing 90%.
- Received a gold medal for participating in a national level competition in Abacus Institute.
Certification
- WSET Level 3 in Wines.
- Introductory Sake Sommelier.
- Comite Interprofessionel du vin de Champagne Certifed.
- Cleared Wine Appreciation & Oenology from Asia Pacific Wine & Spirit Education.
- Completed online sessions of Manager's Toolkit from University of London.
- Merit in Hospitality Leadership Manager Program from American Hotel & Lodging Institute.
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Hindi
Proficient
C2
Marathi
Proficient
C2
Gujarati
Advanced
C1
Personal Information
Date of birth: 12/05/98
Hobbies and interests
- Driving.
- Watching Wine & Food related shows.
Timeline
Assistant Beverage Manager - Sommelier
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
03.2025 - Current
Junior Sommelier
Six Senses Laamu
03.2024 - 03.2025
Assistant Manager – Hospitality
Grover Zampa Vineyards
02.2023 - 02.2024
Food & Beverage Team Member
Taj Yeshwantpur
09.2021 - 01.2023
Tasting Associate
Sula Vineyards
12.2020 - 08.2021
Internship Trainee
Masque Restaurant
06.2018 - 07.2018
12th Standard -
Nagindas Khandwala College
10th Standard -
Dr.S.Radhakrishnan.Vidyalaya
B.A (Hons) - Hotel Management
University of Huddersfield