What is a Sommelier? eSommelier Answers!

What is a Sommelier & How Do You Become One? 

What is a sommelier? Sometimes called a wine steward, a sommelier is an expert in all wine knowledge and service aspects. They are responsible for choosing the best wines to pair with food dishes, advising on wine selection, storage, serving temperatures, proper decanting techniques, and much more. The position requires a broad understanding of grape varieties, winemaking styles, and extensive food pairing experience.

The Journey to Becoming a Sommelier

Becoming a sommelier requires dedication and commitment. It takes many years of training and practice to become truly proficient in the field—from taking classes to tasting hundreds of different types of wines.

Specific certifications can be attained through accredited schools or professional organizations such as the Court of Master Sommeliers and the International Sommelier Guild. These require extensive coursework and examinations, providing the sommelier with a well-deserved accreditation of their knowledge and skills.

Aspiring sommeliers should take courses or attend workshops to help them develop their knowledge and skills. By studying the different varieties of wines, regions they come from, pairing techniques, wine serving etiquette, and understanding consumer preferences, they can learn everything they need to know to become an expert.

Where Does a Sommelier Work?

Sommeliers are highly sought after in upscale restaurants, private events, fine spirit tastings, and unique wine experiences, making it one of the most rewarding professions on the culinary scene.

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a Sommelier?

Becoming a sommelier offers plenty of perks and advantages. Not only do sommeliers get to work in many different settings, but they also have the opportunity to meet new people while serving delicious drinks.

Moreover, sommeliers can make decisions regarding curating wine lists or pairing wines with food. Expressing their creativity through such an important job can be incredibly satisfying.

Sommeliers are also highly knowledgeable about all aspects of winemaking and can provide customers with helpful information about specific bottles. This makes them invaluable in helping guests find something that will perfectly pair with their meal.

Choose eSommelier to Manage Your Collection

With over 5,000 happy collectors, 450,000 known wines in the database, and 18 years as a recognized world leader in wine inventory solutions, eSommelier is the optimal choice for managing your collection. Don’t waste time maintaining a wine spreadsheet. Our Private Cellar Management System is specifically designed for wine collectors seeking greater control over their cellar's organization. Shop now online or contact us today for more information.