How to become a restaurant sommelier

How to become a Restaurant Sommelier

Becoming a restaurant sommelier requires a passion for wine and beverages combined with formal training and certification through recognized programs. Here’s an overview of the general pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Gain Basic Knowledge and Experience
Start by developing a fundamental understanding of wine and beverages. Read books, take online courses, and attend wine tasting events to familiarize yourself with different grape varietals, wine regions, and basic wine terminology.

Work in the Restaurant Industry
Begin your career in the restaurant industry by working as a server, bartender, or in another entry-level position to gain practical experience and learn about the day-to-day operations of a restaurant.

Formal Education
Enroll in a recognized local or online wine education program to receive foundational training via structured curricula, classes, and exams.

Gain Wine Service Experience
Work in a restaurant that values its wine program, ideally under the guidance of an experienced sommelier. Start as an assistant sommelier. In this role, you can expand your wine knowledge and learn about wine service, wine pairings, and customer interactions.

Pursue Certification
Depending on your goals, consider pursuing certifications from reputable organizations. Certifications, which are often expected by both employers and customers, can help establish your expertise and make you more marketable as a sommelier. These are some recognized organizations and credentials available in the field:

• Certified Sommelier – Offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), this is the first level of their certification program. It covers wine theory, wine service, and tasting skills.
• Advanced Sommelier – This is the second level in the Court of Master Sommeliers program. The Advanced certification entails a more comprehensive and challenging examination, testing advanced knowledge in wine theory, service, and tasting.
• Master Sommelier – This is the highest level of certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. The Master designation is extremely prestigious and challenging to achieve. It requires in-depth expertise in wine, service, and tasting. There are only a few Master Sommeliers worldwide.
• The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) – The WSET offers a range of wine and spirits certifications, including Level 1 (Introductory), Level 2 (Intermediate), Level 3 (Advanced), and Level 4 (Diploma). The WSET Diploma is a highly respected credential for wine professionals.
• The Society of Wine Educators (SWE) – SWE offers several certification programs: the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS), Certified Wine Educator (CWE), Certified Spirits Educator (CSE), and Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC). These educational programs are internationally recognized and highly regarded in the wine and spirits industry.
• The Cicerone Certification Program – This program offers four levels of certification for beer professionals, beginning with the fundamentals and progressing to the most complex and demanding. Topics include beer styles, history, brewing, and service. The levels are Certified Beer Server, Certified Cicerone, Advanced Cicerone, and Master Cicerone.
• Certified Sake Professional (CSP) – The Sake Education Council offers the Certified Sake Professional certification. It covers various aspects of sake, including history, production, and service.
• Specialty Certifications – Some organizations offer specialty certifications, such as certifications in spirits, cheese, or food and wine pairings. These can be valuable for sommeliers who want to specialize in specific areas.

Also providing support to the sommelier community are these organizations:

• GuildSomm International
• American Sommelier
• United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG)
• Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS)
• SommCon Annual Conference and Expo
• International Sommelier Guild
• American Wine Society

Continue Learning and Network
The world of wine is vast and ever-evolving. Continue your education and stay updated on industry trends, new wine releases, and emerging wine regions. Attend wine tastings and seminars, and engage with the wine community to expand your knowledge.

Build a network within the wine and restaurant industry. Networking can lead to job opportunities and provide valuable insights and mentorship from experienced professionals.

Develop Tasting Skills
Practise and refine your wine tasting skills by regularly tasting and evaluating different wines. Learn to identify aromas, flavors, and characteristics of various grape varieties and wine regions.

Build a Personal Wine Collection
Start building a personal wine collection to gain hands-on experience with aging and storing wine. This will deepen your understanding of how wines evolve over time.

Seek Job Opportunities
Look for sommelier positions in restaurants, hotels, wine bars, or other establishments that match your career goals and interests. Keep in mind that sommelier roles may vary in terms of responsibility and focus based on the type of establishment.

Stay Passionate and Curious
A sommelier's success is often rooted in a deep passion for wine and beverages. Continue to explore and experiment with different wines, expanding your palate and enthusiasm for the craft.