Sommelier
A sommelier is a wine expert who specializes in all facets of wine service as well as wine and food pairing.
Top Articles for Sommelier
Sample Job Descriptions for Sommelier
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a passionate Junior Sommelier to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a foundational knowledge of wine and a strong desire to learn more about wine service and cellar management. The Junior Sommelier will work under the guidance of a Senior Sommelier and will play a key role in enhancing our guests' dining experience through exceptional wine recommendations and service.
Required Skills
- Basic knowledge of different types of wine, regions, and grape varieties
- Strong sensory skills for tasting and evaluating wines
- Good customer service and hospitality skills
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and be mentored in wine service
Qualifications
- An introductory wine qualification (e.g., WSET Level 1 or CMS Certified)
- Strong interest in wine and desire to pursue a career as a sommelier
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Legal eligibility to handle alcoholic beverages
Responsibilities
- Assist in managing the wine cellar and inventory.
- Provide wine service to guests and offer recommendations.
- Learn from the Senior Sommelier and participate in wine tastings and educational sessions.
- Support the restaurant staff with knowledge about wine pairings.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization in the wine storage areas.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An intermediate-level Sommelier will be responsible for managing the wine service within a restaurant or hospitality establishment. This professional should have a strong understanding of wine pairing, wine service, and wine procurement to enhance the dining experience for guests. They should also have experience in inventory management, staff training, and customer service.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Passion for wine and a desire to continuously learn and share knowledge.
- Sensory skills to assess wine quality, taste, and aroma.
Qualifications
- Certification from a recognized wine education program such as the Court of Master Sommeliers or similar.
- Proven experience in wine procurement, storage, and service within a hospitality environment.
- Knowledge of local and international wine regulations and laws.
- Familiarity with the operation of cellar management systems and point-of-sale systems.
Responsibilities
- Manage a diverse wine list and ensure its alignment with the establishment's menu and culinary style.
- Recommend wine selections to guests based on their preferences and the meal they have ordered.
- Conduct wine tastings and educational sessions for staff and guests.
- Maintain proper storage conditions for all wines and manage inventory.
- Work with suppliers to procure wines that complement the existing selection.
- Train and mentor staff on wine knowledge and proper serving techniques.
- Resolve any wine-related issues that may arise with guests.
- Collaborate with the culinary team to develop wine pairings for new dishes.
- Stay updated with industry trends and emerging wines to continually enhance the wine list.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An expert wine professional who specializes in all aspects of wine service, wine and food pairings, and wine cellar management.
Required Skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Deep knowledge of wines, wine making process, and wine regions.
- Ability to taste and evaluate wines accurately.
- Skilled at pairing wine with food.
- Strong understanding of inventory management and budgeting.
- Proficient in negotiation and relationship management with vendors/suppliers.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a sommelier or in a similar role within a fine dining environment.
- Certification from a recognized wine education program (e.g., Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET, CMS).
- Extensive knowledge of wine and wine service protocols.
- Strong organizational skills and experience in cellar management.
- Proven ability to train and lead a team in wine service excellence.
- Experience in creating wine lists and developing wine programs.
Responsibilities
- Provide expert wine and spirit recommendations to guests based on their preferences and the menu items.
- Manage the wine cellar, ensuring optimal conditions for wine storage, and managing inventory.
- Conduct staff training on wine knowledge and proper wine service techniques.
- Organize wine tastings, winemaker dinners, and other educational events for guests.
- Develop and maintain relationships with wine suppliers to ensure a diverse and high-quality wine selection.
- Collaborate with chefs to pair wines with menu items for optimal dining experience.
- Address and resolve any customer issues related to wine selection or service.
- Oversee the wine purchasing, including negotiating prices and managing the budget.
- Ensure compliance with all alcohol regulations and laws.
- Stay updated on industry trends and new releases to keep the wine program innovative and dynamic.
See other roles in Consumer Services and Public Sector and Hospitality
Sample Interview Questions
