Sommelier

Sommeliers work in various environments, ranging from small wine shops and fine dining restaurants to wine and spirits distribution companies. Their knowledge extends across regions, varietals and styles of wine.

Introduction

Pronounced suh-mel-ee, this wine professional combines years of education and training with in-depth knowledge of wines to elevate the dining experience for their guests. Though often associated with fine restaurants, sommeliers can also be found working at hotels, casinos, private clubs and retail wine shops. Sommeliers possess both service and sales aspects of the business, so they can provide advice regarding pairing, storage and quality issues of wines.

A Sommelier is an esteemed position, earned only after completing rigorous courses, passing comprehensive examinations, and amassing significant restaurant industry experience. Achieveing Master Sommelier certification requires possessing an in-depth knowledge of wine pairing with food as well as its various regions and varieties.  Additional skills include international wine laws, storage methods and serving techniques.

Sommeliers are experts in their field and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. They can assess each guest’s individual needs and make personalized suggestions according to preferences and budget. Sommeliers can explain ingredients in dishes, as well as pair wines that pair well with them, further enriching dining experiences! They also assist large parties with wine purchases, as well as collaborate with chefs on creating wine-inspired menu items.

As part of their job duties, sommeliers must remain abstinent during work to protect their senses and accurately evaluate wine. Those who fail to adhere to this standard often struggle to pass the rigorous certification exams required, a process that may take several years.

Sommeliers are responsible for more than just curating wine lists; they’re also accountable for staff training and salesmanship of wines. Sommeliers host tasting events to promote wines while working alongside caterers and event planners, to craft themed culinary and vinous experiences for customers.

Tasks

Sommeliers provide patrons with an unforgettable dining experience as expert wine service professionals. In addition, they educate others on the wine industry while leading tastings and tours, hosting virtual wine events and providing customized wine recommendations to customers. Sommeliers typically gain their expertise through on-the-job training such as working as wait staff at restaurants or wine bars or cellars.

Some sommeliers also work directly for vineyards, where they assist with sales and distribution of wines produced there. Their knowledge includes each vineyard’s location, history, and wine making practices.  In addition, some travel to different wine regions to study the grape varieties produced there.

Sommeliers are responsible for developing the wine list at their establishment. When compiling it, they take into account factors like seasonality, menu updates and customer preferences.  Additionally, they may participate in selecting wines for special events or promotions run by the restaurant.

Sommeliers are responsible for more than just creating wine lists, they’re also charged with procuring wines for restaurants. Drawing upon their in-depth knowledge of the industry, sommeliers use their expertise to source quality bottles at competitive prices, while saving the restaurant money by negotiating discounts for large orders or bulk purchases of wine.

Sommeliers can help the kitchen staff match wines to specific dishes by knowing which wines work well with various meats, fish and vegetables on the menu, and can offer guidance based on this knowledge. In addition, they will know which wines go well with appetizers, desserts and cheeses.

When guests order wine, the sommelier will pour it for them and explain its history, production methods, flavor profile and any variations between vintages that might affect its taste.

At various points during a meal, the sommelier will check in with guests to ensure their beverages meet with their satisfaction and that any issues have been resolved. They may ask whether guests would like something else or provide extra details on each wine such as its age and terroir (how climate and soil affect wine).

Qualifications

Any individual can call themselves a sommelier without formal education or certification requirements to do so, although those taking their job seriously may pursue additional certification options to become professional sommeliers.  Certifications provide more credibility than self appointed titles.  A degree in Culinary Arts would provide additional foundational training.

A popular choice would be the Court of Master Sommeliers membership.  This organization provides multiple levels of certification with Level One requiring as little as six hours of study, while subsequent levels require extensive research and self-study, culminating in a final exam that includes theory, blind tasting and practical wine service.  This may take as long as three years for reaching Master Sommelier level certification.

An aspiring sommelier should possess an in-depth knowledge of wine production and history. A wine sommelier should know each bottle’s story as well as how different ingredients, storage methods and serving techniques influence each drink’s flavor and aroma.  This knowledge will allow them to provide their customers with exceptional services and pair wines with food to enrich the dining experience.

Experience in the hospitality industry is invaluable.  This could include entry-level roles like restaurant waitstaffing or wine bar employeeing or winery tour guideing. Some sommeliers even start their careers by growing grapes or helping harvests, to gain an understanding of wine business operations.  This knowledge will prove useful as they work alongside wine producers and suppliers they represent on a regular basis.

Sommeliers must undergo extensive training in providing excellent customer service. This requires meticulous attention to every detail, such as learning the proper way to pour each bottle and keeping glassware clean. Furthermore, it requires having an in-depth knowledge of their wine list and knowing how each bottle pairs up with specific food items on a menu.

Work Environment

Sommeliers work in various settings, including high-end restaurants, hotels and wine bars. As experts on various wines they are often called upon to recommend specific bottles to guests interested in trying something new, helping increase sales for the establishment they work at in turn.

Sommeliers are primarily responsible for creating the wine list at restaurants or hotels, which requires extensive research. Sommeliers also work closely with suppliers and attend tasting events in order to source new wines that would complement menu offerings perfectly.

A good sommelier works closely with both the chef and manager to develop the wine list for their establishment, providing advice regarding purchasing and stocking optimal wines. Furthermore, they may need to physically manage their inventory, from ordering bottles and storing them correctly, in order to maintain optimal conditions.

Some sommeliers work independently, owning their own wine shops or consulting for restaurants. Others may teach wine classes and lead tasting events. 

Many people enter this profession because of their passion for wine, and it can be very satisfying if successful. However, this job can also be stressful with long hours, weekends, and some holidays, being the norm.  If uncertain whether this profession is for you, it would be wise to seek guidance from an experienced sommelier, as this could help guide you along your journey to becoming one.