ow that I got your attention, I’m sorry to tell you there’s no easy way of becoming a sommelier. One of the most prestigious roles in the hospitality industry, and one of the most fun jobs ever. Working around wine every day is just a great career choice. So, how to become one?
What is a Sommelier?
Let’s start by explaining what a sommelier is. The sommelier is the person in charge of wine, more often than not in a restaurant scenario. A fine-dining restaurant might have several sommeliers on staff, directed by the restaurant floor manager or a head sommelier.
Sommeliers also work in cruises, resorts and prestigious hotels. And, of course, there’s the business side of wine. Sommeliers might sell wine to restaurants, work as ambassadors for wineries, or teach wine knowledge in universities and wine specialized schools. Either way, as it’s commonly said in the business, ‘‘sommeliers are not paid for what they do, but for what they know.’’
What do you need to know?
Wine is a complex drink. Yes, it’s just fermented grape juice, but it’s much more than that. There are over 2,000 wine grapes grown in over 70 countries. There are hundreds of thousands of wineries worldwide producing literally millions of distinct labels — each with a unique flavor profile.
"Effective sommeliers will pick the right wine for the right occasion because more than wine sellers, they’re wine consultants ready to help you choose the perfect bottle for your dinner." - Franco Salzillo
It comes without saying there’s only one way of becoming a successful sommelier, and that is hitting the books. Studying wine laws, maps, producer profiles, grapes, and the like. However, you never really finish learning about wine, but the more you know, the better you are at your job.
How to get started?
The best way of becoming a sommelier is tasting wine, and I say tasting and not drinking. Wine clubs, tastings at local wine shops, and winery visits all add up to your knowledge. Reading wine books helps too, and so does listening to specialized podcasts.
Then there are the certifications. You don’t necessarily need to go to wine school to become a sommelier; some of the best ones learned the ropes on their own. Having said that, taking a wine course and taking exams to certify your knowledge is a good idea. Some employers will require you to have a wine degree, but others might value your knowledge despite the lack of certification.
You might also want to find a job in the restaurant industry. Even if you don’t want to focus on wine service, you must know how a restaurant operates inside out, manage wine inventories, and recommend wine to customers.
Then there’s the food
For sommeliers, wine is just one side of the coin. Somms are experts in pairing food with wine, so it helps if you’re a foodie or home-cooked aficionado. You might also want to study beer styles, spirits, liqueurs, tea and coffee. The more you know, the better service you’ll be able to give, and that’s how you get your foot in the door for this amazing industry.
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