On the Line / Hiring / What is a sommelier? What is a sommelier? Learn all about what a sommelier does, how much they're paid, and much more! New Course Learn how to build (and rebuild) your team with Joy from Busboys and Poets. Take the Course Built for Restaurants What is a sommelier?A sommelier is a wine specialist that buys wine to pair with dishes. They have to have extensive knowledge of wine and a developed palate to be able to taste wines’ subtle flavor notes. Sommeliers take classes to learn all about wine flavors and processing so that they can know what to expect when tasting and purchasing wines for a restaurant.Sommeliers often also help with service in fine dining restaurants. Guests that want an exceptional wine pairing for their meals rely on the judgment of the sommelier. They must have some understanding of business practices to purchase and price wines by the glass and bottle. What are a sommelier’s duties and responsibilities?A sommelier’s duties and responsibilities include:Create and update the wine list with the food and beverage managerUnderstand the flavor profiles of a wide range of winesRecommend wine paring with dishesAdvise guests on wine choices based on personal preference and ordersMatch wines with the proper stemwareTrain service staff and bartenders on wine pairingsBuild relationships and negotiate with wine vendorsOrder wine for the restaurantComply with food safety standards and alcohol service regulations How much are sommeliers paid?Sommeliers earn between $47,400 and $76,000 annually, on average. The earning potential of a sommelier depends on the kind of business or restaurant for which they work. What are the qualities that make a good sommelier?A good sommelier has expert knowledge of wines, including the processes required to make wine, the growing regions of wine grapes, and the flavor profiles of a wide variety of wines. They should also have a developed palette to be able to taste the subtle flavors of wine.If a sommelier works in a restaurant, they need to have knowledge of the menu so that they can suggest appropriate wine pairings. They need to have good interpersonal skills, as well, to be able to communicate with customers and the restaurant’s service staff. How to become a sommelierBecoming a sommelier requires a passion for wine and a certification as a sommelier. There are sommelier certification courses available in many cities and online. Sommeliers have to taste a lot of wine, so it’s important that you enjoy wine and are able to retain a lot of knowledge about varieties.Experience working in food service is also a plus for a sommelier. Sommeliers work in a variety of businesses and knowledge of the food and beverage industry is required for many of them. How to hire a sommelier?When looking to hire a sommelier, make a detailed list of the job duties you expect them to perform for your business. Remember to consider the hours and availability you expect of candidates.When interviewing candidates, test their wine knowledge and assess their interpersonal skills. Be sure to verify their certifications and qualifications and hire the candidate with the best combination.Applicants with sommelier certifications might be hard to come by. Building a relationship with local sommelier certification courses can be a good way to access qualified candidates.Sommeliers are wine sales experts and they often have passion for the work. Many sommeliers turn that passion and expertise into stable, fulfilling careers. Hiring What is the Average Sommelier Salary? Fine Dining A Beginner’s Guide to Wine Service Menu + Food How to Charge a Corkage Fee Is this article helpful? Yes No Submitted! Thank you for your feedback. DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation. By clicking any of the above links, you will be leaving Toast's website. Tyler Martinez What is a sommelier? What are a sommelier’s duties and responsibilities? How much are sommeliers paid? What are the qualities that make a good sommelier? How to become a sommelier How to hire a sommelier Go next level with insider tips – straight from the pros to your inbox. We’ll email you 1-2 times per week with the latest news and how-tos. Newsletter sign-up You must have Javascript enabled in order to submit forms on our website. If you'd like to contact Toast please call us at:(857) 301-6002 Email Email is required Zip Code Zip Code is required Subscribe for Free We’ll handle your info according to our privacy statement.