CHARLES NANA YAW MENSAH
Accra
Summary
Dedicated sommelier with over 7 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Skilled in wine and spirit selection, wine list curation, and food and beverage synergy. Experienced in training wait staff, managing beverage inventory, and creating memorable dining experiences through wine pairing. Adept at working closely with chefs to curate tasting menus and maintaining efficient, organized wine cellars. Passionate about elevating guest experiences through excellent wine recommendations.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SUPERVISOR & SOMMELIER
A La Lune Restaurant
Accra
12.2024 - Current
- Staff scheduling and workforce planning.
- Staff training and mentorship.
- Floor operations supervision.
- Kitchen and Bar operations oversight.
- Sole sommelier for a luxury restaurant in Accra
- Educate guests on wine options and provide expert pairing advice.
- Curate seasonal wine lists aligned with the restaurant's evolving menu.
- Manage wine inventory and storage conditions.
- Promote wine sales through sampling and upselling strategies.
- Introduced a premium wine-by-the-glass program with 10+ selections.
- Implemented communication systems that improved order accuracy and turnaround time.
- Boosted premium wine sales through sampling initiatives.
- Trained and mentored front of house staff, improving service consistency and guest satisfaction.
- Aligned food menus with beverage offerings to enhance overall dining experience.
COMMIS SOMMELIER / SOMMELIER
Kozo Hospitality
Accra
06.2021 - 11.2024
- Started as a commis sommelier and promoted to sommelier.
- Assisted guests with wine selection and food pairing.
- Maintained proper wine serving temperatures and presentation.
- Managed the wine cellar and inventory needs.
- Trained wait staff on wine etiquette and assisted in tastings.
- Significantly increased wine sales per head through upselling and staff education.
WAIT STAFF
Kozo Hospitality
Accra
06.2020 - 06.2021
- Delivered premium service in a high-end, detail-focused environment.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge of food and beverages.
WAIT STAFF
Pomona Restaurant
Accra
03.2019 - 01.2020
- Provided attentive, high-quality service in a fine dining setting.
WAIT STAFF / SHIFT LEADER
Urbano Hotel
Accra
03.2017 - 01.2019
- Oversaw service operations and led wait staff team.
- Ensured excellent customer service and smooth shift transitions.
Skills
- Wine & spirit selection and pairing
- Wine list development
- Wine storage & cellar management
- Wine tasting & staff training
- Beverage inventory & procurement
- Upselling & guest engagement
- Food and wine pairing knowledge
- Staff leadership & mentorship
- African wines and international wine regions
Certification
- Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), UK - Level 1 Certificate
- African Wine Academy - Level 1 Certificate
Languages
English
First Language
Timeline
SUPERVISOR & SOMMELIER
A La Lune Restaurant
12.2024 - Current
COMMIS SOMMELIER / SOMMELIER
Kozo Hospitality
06.2021 - 11.2024
WAIT STAFF
Kozo Hospitality
06.2020 - 06.2021
WAIT STAFF
Pomona Restaurant
03.2019 - 01.2020
WAIT STAFF / SHIFT LEADER
Urbano Hotel
03.2017 - 01.2019