A sommelier is a trained, professional wine expert. They elevate your fine dining experience by thoughtfully curating the restaurant’s wine list and guiding you to the ideal wine for your meal.
But why should this matter to you?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by a wine menu or wondered what it takes to become a sommelier yourself, this guide is for you.
We’ll break down everything you need to know about these wine stewards — their role in fine dining, and even how you can start on the same path.
What Does a Sommelier Do?
- Curate the Wine List
Sommeliers design and update the restaurant’s wine list by balancing well-loved classics with unique finds. They work closely with chefs to test and create pairings that highlight the flavours of food and wine. Traditionally only found in fine dining restaurant venues, sommeliers are becoming more common in casual restaurants and bars.
- Help Diners Pick the Perfect Wine
Sommeliers do more than recommend wine; they create an experience. They:
- Know wine regions, grape varieties, and terroir inside out.
- Listen to your preferences, mood, and budget to offer personalised suggestions.
- Understand whether you’re ready to try something adventurous or stick with a favourite.
- Share stories about wines to engage and educate you, making your moments memorable.
- Manage the Wine Cellar
Sommeliers keep every bottle in the cellar organised and in top condition. They:
- Track inventory to ensure there’s always enough stock.
- Store wines properly, maintaining the right temperature, humidity, and light.
- Ensure wines are served at their peak for your enjoyment.
- Train the Team
To ensure the entire restaurant provides top-tier wine service, sommeliers train the team on:
- Wine recommendations and pairings.
- How to uncork, pour, and serve wine with finesse.
- Selecting the right glass for each wine.
- Discover New Wines
Sommeliers sample wines from around the world, follow trends and bring fresh, exciting options to the table. Their discoveries keep the wine list dynamic and give diners something new to enjoy.
How To Interact With a Sommelier?
- Share your preferences. They can recommend similar styles. For example, if you enjoy Chardonnay but want something new, let them know. They can recommend similar styles.
- Tell them what you’re eating. Sommeliers excel at matching wines with food, ensuring the flavours complement and elevate each other.
- Mention your price range upfront. Sommeliers appreciate clarity and will find a bottle that fits without making you feel uncomfortable.
How to Become a Sommelier?
- Build a Strong Foundation in Wine Knowledge
- Taste wines from various regions, noting differences in flavours, acidity, tannins, and textures.
- Track your preferences and observations in a journal or apps like Vivino or Delectable.
- Study wine terminology and key regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Napa Valley, and emerging regions like the Balkans or South America.
- Experiment with friends, pairing wines with common dishes like steak, seafood, or cheese platters.
- Attend wine tastings, trade shows, and vineyard tours to expand your exposure.
- Volunteer for wine events or festivals to network with industry professionals.
- Stay updated on global trends like the rise of natural wines or niche grape varieties.
- Perfect your serving skills, from decanting to pouring. Ensure each wine is presented flawlessly.
- Read essential books like Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine and The Oxford Companion to Wine.
- Gain Hospitality Experience
- Work in restaurants, bars, or hotels to understand how food, wine, and service interact.
- Participate in kitchen trials at restaurants to see how menus are built around pairings.
- Shadow sommeliers or assist in their tasks to build direct experience.
- Pay attention to customer interactions, wine storage, and serving techniques.
- Formalise Your Training with Certifications
Choose globally recognised programmes based on your goals:
- Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS): For those focused on restaurant wine service and tasting.
- Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET): Ideal for in-depth theoretical knowledge of wine and spirits.
- International Sommelier Guild (ISG): Combines practical and theoretical training with an emphasis on food and wine pairing.
How Much Time Does It Take to Become a Sommelier?
Becoming a sommelier can take anywhere from 6 months to over 10 years, depending on your goals and the certifications you pursue. Entry-level training takes less than a year. Advanced certifications like Master Sommelier can span a decade or more.
Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Entry-Level Training (6 Months to 1 Year)
The initial stage comprises introductory certifications like WSET Level 1 or the CMS Introductory Course. They’re designed to be straightforward and quick.
- Intermediate Certifications (1 to 3 Years)
These require deeper knowledge of wine regions, grape varieties, and blind tasting.
- Advanced Certifications (4 to 10+ Years)
The journey includes years of experience in fine dining, rigorous preparation, and multiple attempts to pass exams.
For example, CMS Advanced Sommelier can take 4-6 years to complete. Master Sommelier can take 8 to 10 years or more.
How Much Does a Sommelier Make?
Sommeliers can earn between USD 30,000 and 150,000+ annually, depending on their experience, certifications, and workplace.
Entry-Level: USD 30,000–50,000
Certified: USD 50,000–70,000
Advanced/Master: USD 70,000–150,000+
Actual earnings may vary. Please check with your prospective employer for details.
Sommeliers can increase their income by:
- Hosting private wine tastings or events.
- Consulting for restaurants, wineries, or distributors.
Factors That Influence A Sommelier’s Earnings:
- Location: Salaries are higher in cities like New York, London, and Dubai.
- Establishment Type: Luxury venues pay more than casual settings.
- Experience and Certifications: Advanced levels like Master Sommelier increase earning potential.
Are There Sommeliers in Bali?
You can find professional sommeliers in fine-dining restaurants and luxury resorts across Bali.
Sommeliers in Bali pair wines with both international and Balinese dishes, offering choices that suit the island’s diverse dining scene. Many also focus on natural wines and sustainability, aligning with Bali’s eco-friendly values.
If you’re visiting Bali, we invite you to Apéritif Restaurant. Here, our Chef Sommelier Jean-Benoit Issele brings years of expertise in wine selection and pairing.
We have over 180 exclusive wines in our collection. You can explore rare vintages or new gems. Perhaps, even add one of them to your favourites.
Overall, the outcome will be a dining experience that’s educational and enchanting.
