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.
To help you find the right fit for your establishment, we created the Sommelier job description template below.
Keep reading to find out about Sommelier’s main duties, responsibilities and more.
Sommelier Job Description Template
We at [Company Name] are looking for a new Sommelier to join our team on our [Location] site.
The duties include developing wine lists, handling wine service, working alongside the culinary team for the creation of new pairings and educating other team members about wine.
Salary: $55,000–$65,000/year
Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Duties and Responsibilities
- Create and update wine lists
- Develop wine pairings in collaboration with the Chef
- Train other staff members about wine
- Manage wine inventory
- Restocking wine storage and ensuring it is ready for service
Skills and Requirements
- [Minimum] number of years in a Sommelier role, specifically in a fine-dining establishment
- Outstanding knowledge of wine and wine pairings
- Excellent communication skills and ability to recommend wine to guests
- Openness to a flexible schedule (might include weekends and holidays)
- Must be 21 years or older, with a valid wine certification or a license to serve alcoholic beverages
- Ability to be on your feet for long hours, typically in the evening during peak times
Sommelier Education & Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Certified Sommelier accreditation
- Bachelor’s degree in a hospitality-related discipline and/or additional hospitality certifications or courses are a plus
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
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) 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.
Sommelier Salary Expectations
On average, Sommeliers in the United States earn $65,581 annually.
However, average salary for a Sommelier can greatly wary based on factors such as location, certifications and experience.
For example, an 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.
Job Titles Similar to Sommelier
Sommelier Job Description FAQs
A Sommelier is responsible for wine service at a restaurant or the establishment where they work.
Some of their typical duties include:
- Curating and updating wine lists
- Pairing wines with the cuisine of the establishment
- Training staff
- Ensuring wine cellar is stocked and ready for service
Yes, the role of a Sommelier can come with certain benefits such as:
- Free or discounted wine tastings
- Invitations to exclusive wine events
- Wine-related opportunities for travel and education
It depends whether or not you’re willing to train a Sommelier who doesn’t have much experience yet.
If your establishment has the resources to train new Sommeliers with minimal experience, then go ahead. However, if you prefer someone who can hit the ground running, then it’s best to hire someone with at least three years of Sommelier experience.
