What is Sommelier?
A trained wine professional responsible for wine service and selection in restaurants.
Understanding Sommelier
A sommelier is a trained wine professional who works primarily in restaurants, responsible for wine purchasing, cellar management, staff training, and tableside service. The role requires extensive knowledge of wines, wine regions, food pairing, and service protocols. Professional certifications include Court of Master Sommeliers (with levels from Introductory to Master) and WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust). "Somm" is common shorthand.
Why It Matters
Understanding the sommelier's role helps you get better restaurant service. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations—sommeliers love helping guests discover great wines.
Examples
- 1A Master Sommelier has passed one of the most difficult exams in the world
- 2Restaurant sommeliers can suggest perfect food pairings
- 3Many sommeliers move into wine importing or consulting
Related Wine Terms
Quick Definition
"A trained wine professional responsible for wine service and selection in restaurants."
Explore More Wine Terms
Decanting
Pouring wine from bottle to another vessel to separate sediment and/or expose the wine to air.
Wine ServiceVertical Tasting
Tasting multiple vintages of the same wine from a single producer.
Wine ServiceCorked
Wine contaminated by TCA, causing musty, wet cardboard aromas.
Wine ServiceAeration
The deliberate exposure of wine to air to enhance its aromas and soften its flavors before drinking.
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