Sommelier job description
A Sommelier is a wine expert responsible for creating wine lists, recommending food and wine pairings, and advising guests on wine choices. They collaborate with chefs, manage the wine cellar, and ensure wines are served correctly.
Use this Sommelier job description template to attract and hire wine experts for your restaurant, hotel or resort. Feel free to customize job duties and requirements based on your needs.
What is a Sommelier?
A Sommelier is a wine expert who curates wine lists, recommends food and wine pairings, and advises guests on wine selections based on their preferences and food choices. They possess extensive knowledge of wines, vineyards, and the winemaking process.
What does a Sommelier do?
A Sommelier creates and updates wine lists, collaborates with chefs to pair wines with food, advises guests on wine choices, ensures proper wine service, manages the wine cellar, and conducts wine tastings. They also stay informed about different wine varieties, prices, and regional production.
Sommelier responsibilities include:
- Creating and updating the wine list in coordination with chefs and the Food and Beverage Manager
- Recommending food and wine pairings
- Advising guests on wines based on their personal tastes and food choices
Job brief
We are looking for a Sommelier to act as our wine expert and create wine lists that pair with our food menus.
Sommelier responsibilities include recommending wine varieties to our guests, supervising wine serving and collaborating with winemakers to renew our selections and achieve better prices. To be qualified for this role, you should have relevant experience in hospitality or a vineyard and be available to work during business hours.
Ultimately, you will delight our guests by helping them choose the best wine to complement their fare.
Responsibilities
- Create and update the wine list in coordination with chefs and the Food and Beverage Manager
- Recommend food and wine pairings
- Advise guests on wines based on their personal tastes and food choices
- Inform guests about different varieties of wines and prices
- Ensure wines are served at the right temperature and within the proper glassware
- Store open bottles properly to maintain strong taste
- Manage wine cellar and ensure it’s fully-stocked
- Train wait staff on available wines
- Negotiate purchase prices with vendors
- Organize wine tasting days or “wine of the month” events
- Ask guests for ID to verify legal drinking age
- Comply with all health and safety regulations
Requirements and skills
- Experience as a Sommelier, Wine Steward/Stewardess or similar role
- Ability to create tasteful food and wine pairings
- Extensive knowledge of different wines and which regions produce each type
- Knowledge of local vineyards and wineries
- Understanding of the winemaking process
- Good communication skills
- Availability to work during opening hours, including weekends and holidays
- Flexibility to travel occasionally to meet with wine producers and visit wine-tasting events
- Certification as a Sommelier or degree in hospitality is a plus
Frequently asked questions
- What does a Sommelier do?
- A Sommelier curates wine lists, recommends food and wine pairings, and advises guests on wine selections based on their preferences and food choices.
- What are the duties and responsibilities of a Sommelier?
- A Sommelier creates and updates wine lists, collaborates with chefs, advises guests on wine choices, ensures proper wine service, manages the wine cellar, and conducts wine tastings.
- What makes a good Sommelier?
- A good Sommelier possesses extensive knowledge of wines, vineyards, and the winemaking process. They have excellent communication skills, a tasteful palate, and the ability to create harmonious food and wine pairings.
- Who does a Sommelier work with?
- A Sommelier works with chefs, the Food and Beverage Manager, winemakers, vendors, wait staff, and guests.
- What skills should a Sommelier have?
- A Sommelier should have extensive knowledge of wines and regions, the ability to create tasteful pairings, good communication skills, flexibility to work during opening hours, and certification or a degree in hospitality is a plus.