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Many different types of wine laying on angled shelvesPhoto by Javier Balseiro on Unsplash

Do you want to be exceptionally well-informed about the wonderful world of wine? Do you want to share that knowledge with others?

Then being a sommelier might be the right career path for you!

What do sommeliers actually do?

  • Specialize in every aspect of serving wine and sometimes assist with all beverages at a restaurant.

  • Create a wine list for guests at a restaurant of up to 200 or more different wines. They also collaborate with the chefs in the kitchen.

  • Explain food and wine pairings to customers and make sure guests are satisfied with their individual preferences.

  • Organize wine tastings at restaurants, companies, or private events. Sommeliers also train others about wine at establishments.

A animation that says 'Tick tock it's wine o'clock'. The 'i' in wine is a bottle that fills up the 'w'. A clock fills an 'o'.

Quiz

What are the benefits of having a sommelier at a restaurant? Select all that apply:

What do I need to become a sommelier?

  • Although formal education isn't always required, many people decide to study wine, sommelier, or beverage certifications.

  • Gain experience with beverages and the hospitality industry.

  • Join a wine tasting group. You can practice with family and friends by organizing wine tastings and become comfortable answering questions about which wines pair with certain food and dishes.

Laughing Leo with subtitle text, 'Wait, I can't just drink the wine? I have to study it too!?'

Did you know?

Even though becoming a sommelier requires an expansive knowledge about wine around the world, having a niche from a specific region could help you stand out from other sommeliers.

Where can I work as a sommelier?

You can...

  • Find work at fine dining restaurants.

  • Lead wine tastings at wineries.

  • Work at places such as resorts, hotels, cruise ships, and casinos.

  • Become a teacher for a wine academy for in-person or online classes.

A woman sitting at a table with an iPad.Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Did you know?

The Court of Master Sommeliers program is one of the most prestigious and sought-after certifications you can study to receive the highest credentials in the wine world. As of April 2023, there are only 273 Master Sommeliers in the world.

Will it pay the bills?

An American flag icon.

In the U.S., the average salary for a sommelier is 63,000 USD.

A Canadian flag icon.

In Canada, the average salary for a sommelier is 44,000 CAD.

You'll love it if you...

An excited man looking at a glass of red wine

  • Are passionate learning about wine and beverages.

  • Want to work with people from around the world.

  • Enjoy explaining and simplifying complicated wine topics.

  • Are confident in front of an audience.

  • Think outside the box while pairing food and wine together.

Look for another career path if you...

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  • Don't like wine or beverages.

  • Don't have a growth mindset. Since there are new wine trends and different wines on the market frequently, you should constantly try to keep up with the industry news as a sommelier.

  • Hate working evenings or holidays. However, the actual working hours depend on every job.

  • Are sarcastic and condescending when people ask you questions that you think are obvious.

Choose the future sommelier!

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Samantha

  • Prefers traveling in a small group

  • Enjoys reading, watching movies, and listening to music in her free time

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Mike

  • Prefers working alone

  • Never liked working during the weekend

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Lauren

  • People person

  • Likes recommending different recipes to her friends

Quiz

Who sounds like they would be a great match for a sommelier?

Take Action

Does it sound like a sommelier could be a good path for you?

People at a table bringing their wine glasses together with cheers.

If so...

License:

This Byte has been authored by

LL

Lisa LaBeau

Learning & Development

English

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