If you're a wine lover, you've probably heard of a sommelier. But what exactly is a sommelier, and what do they do? In this article, we'll answer these questions and more, as well as delve into the world of wine and the role of sommeliers in it.

What is a Sommelier?

A sommelier is a certified wine expert who has extensive knowledge of wine tasting, wine pairing, wine selection, and grape varieties. They are typically found working in fine dining establishments, where they are responsible for the wine cellar management, wine list creation, and wine service.

The Four Levels of Sommelier

There are four levels of sommelier certification, each with its own requirements and areas of expertise:

Certified Sommelier - This is the first level of sommelier certification and requires passing an exam that tests the candidate's wine knowledge, service skills, and tasting ability.

Advanced Sommelier - To become an advanced sommelier, one must have already passed the certified sommelier exam and pass an additional, more difficult exam that tests knowledge of wine regions, viticulture, winemaking, and service.

Master Sommelier - This is the highest level of sommelier certification, and only a few hundred people worldwide have achieved it. To become a master sommelier, one must have already passed the advanced sommelier exam and pass an even more difficult exam that includes a blind tasting of six wines.

Master of Wine - This is not a sommelier certification, but rather a separate certification for those who have demonstrated expertise in all aspects of wine. The Master of Wine certification is widely regarded as one of the most difficult wine certifications to obtain.

What Does a Sommelier Do?

A sommelier's main responsibility is to ensure that guests have an enjoyable wine experience. Sommeliers are wine experts who specialize in wine service and education. They work in restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality establishments to help customers select the perfect wine to complement their meal. Here are some of the duties of a sommelier:

• Wine service: Sommeliers are responsible for the wine service in a restaurant, which includes decanting wine, opening wine bottles, and ensuring the wine is served at the correct temperature.
• Wine education: Sommeliers educate customers and staff about wine, including grape varieties, wine regions, and wine pairing. They help customers select the perfect wine to complement their meal.
• Wine selection: Sommeliers are responsible for selecting wines for a restaurant's wine list. They must have an in-depth knowledge of different grape varieties and wine regions to make informed decisions.
• Wine cellar management: Sommeliers are responsible for the organization and maintenance of a restaurant's wine cellar. They ensure that the wine is stored at the correct temperature and humidity and that the inventory is properly managed.
• Beverage director: In some establishments, sommeliers may be responsible for the entire beverage program, including beer and spirits.

A sommelier may also be responsible for training the restaurant's staff on wine service and pairing, as well as overseeing the beverage program as the beverage director.

Becoming a sommelier

Becoming a sommelier requires a combination of education, experience, and certification. Here are the steps to becoming a certified sommelier:

• Education: You can start your education by attending wine schools, which offer courses on wine education, wine tasting, grape varieties, and wine selection. Some schools, like the Court of Master Sommeliers, have a rigorous education program that takes multiple years to complete.
• Experience: Working in the restaurant or hospitality industry is crucial to gain the practical experience required to become a sommelier. This can include working in fine dining restaurants, wine bars, or even wine shops. Experience in wine cellar management, wine list creation, wine and food matching, and wine service is essential.
• Certification: The final step in becoming a sommelier is obtaining certification from an accredited organization like the Court of Master Sommeliers, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, or the Society of Wine Educators. These organizations offer different levels of certification, ranging from certified sommelier to master sommelier.

Frequently asked questions about sommeliers

Do sommeliers make good money?

Sommeliers can make a good living, with salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on their experience, level of certification, and the establishment they work for.

What are the 4 levels of sommelier?

The 4 levels of sommelier certification, from entry-level to expert, are: certified sommelier, advanced sommelier, master sommelier, and master of wine.

How many years does it take to become a sommelier?

It can take several years to become a certified sommelier, with most programs taking 1-3 years to complete. However, becoming a master sommelier or master of wine can take a decade or more of rigorous study and experience.

How old is the youngest sommelier?

The youngest person to become a certified sommelier is believed to be Victoria James, who achieved the certification at the age of 21.

What does a sommelier wear around their neck?

A sommelier wears a tastevin around his or her neck. This small, shallow silver cup is used to taste wine to ensure it is not spoiled.

Do you tip a sommelier?

It is customary to tip a sommelier for their services, just as you would tip a server or bartender.

Can a sommelier smoke?

While there are no specific rules prohibiting a sommelier from smoking, it is generally considered unprofessional and may affect their ability to taste and evaluate wine accurately.

Sommeliers are an integral part of the fine dining experience, providing a wealth of knowledge and expertise on wine selection, wine pairing, and wine service. Their specialized training and certification allow them to offer guests a unique and personalized wine experience. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just looking to enhance your dining experience, a sommelier can guide you through the world of wine and help you discover new and exciting flavors. So the next time you visit a fine dining establishment, be sure to seek out the sommelier and let them take your wine experience to the next level. And remember, if you receive exceptional service from your sommelier, it is customary to leave a gratuity to show your appreciation.