Sommelier Job Description

A Sommelier is a wine professional typically working in upscale and fine dining establishments.

Their main duties revolve around pairing the right type of food and wine, something that is especially true in fine dining establishments that have large selections of wine.

Keep reading this Sommelier job description guide to find out what you should require from applicants for this role.

Sommelier Job Description Template (General)

To help you find the right Sommelier for your establishment, we’ve created this job description of a Sommelier template that you can easily customize. You can download it in both PDF and Word versions, too.

Assistant Sommelier Job Description Template

This Assistant Sommelier job description template focuses on supporting tasks and collaborative duties, making it ideal for those looking to gain experience in the wine industry while working under the guidance of a seasoned Sommelier.

Assistant Sommelier Job Overview

We at [Restaurant Name] are seeking an Assistant Sommelier to join our team at our [Location] site.

The role involves supporting the Sommelier in wine service, assisting with wine selections, collaborating with the culinary team on pairing recommendations and contributing to staff education on wine.

Salary: $45,000–$55,000/year

Benefits: 401(k), health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, paid time off, sick leave, career growth opportunities

Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in recommending and serving wines to guests
• Work with the Head Sommelier and Chef to suggest wine pairings
• Help with training staff on basic wine knowledge and service
• Monitor and maintain wine inventory records under the guidance of the Sommelier
• Assist with restocking wine storage areas and ensuring readiness for service

Skills and Requirements

• Strong knowledge of wine varieties, regions and pairings
• Effective communication skills with the ability to suggest wines to guests
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Must be 21 years or older with relevant wine certifications or a license to serve alcohol
• Capable of standing for extended periods, typically during evening hours

Sommelier Education & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Completed Introductory Sommelier Course from Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET Level 1 Program Certification preferred
• A Bachelor’s degree in hospitality or additional certifications in wine or beverages is advantageous

Master Sommelier Job Description Template

The Master Wine Sommelier job description template emphasizes the advanced expertise and leadership required for a Master Sommelier role, making it suitable for top-tier establishments seeking to elevate their wine program.

Master Sommelier Job Overview

[Restaurant Name] is looking for an experienced Master Sommelier to lead our wine program.

In this role, you’ll be responsible for selecting an outstanding wine list, overseeing wine service and working with our Head Chef to create excellent wine pairings. You’ll also take the lead in educating our staff to ensure we provide the best wine experience possible.

Salary: $80,000–$100,000/year

Benefits: 401(k), health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, paid time off, sick leave, complimentary meals

Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Curate and maintain a world-class wine list, featuring rare and exclusive selections
• Develop and refine sophisticated wine pairings in close collaboration with the Chef
• Lead and conduct advanced wine education and training sessions for staff
• Oversee the management of the wine cellar, ensuring proper storage and inventory accuracy
• Provide expert wine recommendations to guests, particularly on rare and vintage wines
• Monitor and assess the wine program’s performance, making adjustments as needed to enhance guest experience and profitability

Skills and Requirements

• A minimum of [minimum number] years of experience as a Sommelier in a fine-dining or luxury establishment
• Advanced knowledge of global wine regions, varietals and pairings
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage guests and staff with expert wine advice
• Openness to a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Must be 21 years or older, with a valid license to serve alcoholic beverages
• Ability to manage a team and lead the development of a prestigious wine program

Sommelier Education & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Master Sommelier accreditation from the Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines
• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, oenology or a related field is preferred

Head Sommelier Job Description Template

This Head Sommelier job description template focuses on leadership and management, making it ideal for recruiting individuals ready to take charge of a wine program.

Additionally, it emphasizes advanced knowledge, team management and collaboration with the culinary team to deliver an exceptional wine experience.

Head Sommelier Job Overview

We at [Company Name] are seeking a skilled Head Sommelier to manage and enhance our wine program at our establishment.

This role involves selecting and maintaining a top-tier wine list, overseeing wine service, and working closely with the Chef to create perfect wine pairings. You’ll also be responsible for leading the wine team, managing inventory, and ensuring that all staff are well-trained in wine service.

Salary: $65,000–$80,000/year

Benefits: 401(k), health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, paid time off, sick leave, complimentary meals

Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Curate and update a high-quality wine list that complements our menu
• Develop wine pairings in collaboration with the Chef to enhance guest experiences
• Lead and train the wine team, ensuring all staff have strong wine knowledge and service skills
• Oversee wine inventory management, ensuring accurate records and proper storage
• Provide expert wine recommendations to guests, focusing on both popular and unique selections
• Monitor the wine program’s success and make adjustments as needed to improve service and sales

Skills and Requirements

• Several years of experience as a Sommelier or in a similar role within a fine-dining environment
• Strong knowledge of wine regions, varietals, and pairings
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage and inspire a team
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Must be 21 years or older, with a valid license to serve alcohol
• Ability to stand for extended periods, often during peak service times

Sommelier Education & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Advanced sommelier certifications, such as Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET Level 3
• A Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, wine studies or a related field is preferred
• Additional wine certifications or management courses are highly valued

What To Include in Sommelier Duties and Responsibilities

Did you know that 52% of new hires leave their new job in under 90 days? They believe that they are not the right fit for the job for which they were hired.

This could happen because of the inaccurate job descriptions that don’t clearly state what the main duties associated with the role are.

Consequently, writing an effective and accurate job description can make all the difference between hiring top Sommeliers and having to rehire.

That is why, when writing a Sommelier job description, you want to include all the main and relevant duties in a bulleted format, allowing potential applicants to easily see and understand what is expected of them.

Some of the common Sommelier duties and responsibilities include:

• Developing wine lists
• Coming up with new pairings for a restaurant
• Wine service on the restaurant floor
• Staying on your feet for long hours

Head and Master Sommeliers, though, are also responsible for:

• Educating and training staff on everything wine
• Managing wine inventory
• Making and maintaining professional relationships with wine sales representatives
• Overseeing the whole wine program of the establishment

What To Include in Sommelier Skills and Qualifications

The Sommelier profession has been around for centuries and it used to refer to a wine steward in a restaurant.

This profession has evolved since then, with governing bodies like the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and Wine & Spirits Education Trust designating superior Sommeliers across the world.

So, employed Sommeliers must have a certification that proves their expertise in this role.

The CMS offers four different education levels demonstrating a Sommelier’s ability:

• Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam
• Certified Sommelier Examination
• Advanced Sommelier Course and Examination
• Master Sommelier Diploma Examination

Keep in mind that there are currently less than 300 individuals who have passed the Master Sommelier Examination in the world.

The Wine and Spirit’s Education Trust also offers four certification levels:

• WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines
• WSET Level 3 Award in Wines
• WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines

Sommelier Salary Expectations

On average, Sommeliers in the United States earn $65,581 annually.

However, the average salary for a Sommelier can greatly vary based on factors such as location, certifications and experience.

For example, the average annual salary for Sommeliers in NYC is $59,982, while Sommeliers in Miami earn around $71,153 per year.

That said, it’s good to take such factors into consideration when deciding how much you should pay Sommeliers in your establishment.

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