Job Description of a Wine Sommelier
A wine sommelier is a skilled professional who is immensely knowledgeable in wine production and consumption. Trained in the art of pairing food and wine, a sommelier can elevate one's dining experience from the ordinary to the exceptional. Does this Spark an idea?
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Basic Job Functions
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First and foremost, a wine sommelier ensures that patrons of a dining establishment can find a wine to pair with their entrees. To do so, a sommelier must demonstrate an extensive knowledge of both wine in general and the specific wines listed on the restaurant's menu. An ideal sommelier can describe wines in great detail, can aid diners in pairing the ideal wine with their meal, and will influence customer's wine purchases. While training is not necessarily a requirement, most employers will seek sommeliers who have been trained and certified by an organization such as the United States Sommelier Association.
Advanced Sommeliers
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Sommelier's may also be asked to help patrons choose spirits and cigars to accompany their meal. Many certification programs offer advanced courses that enable students to become proficient in bar management and training, as well as expanding their knowledge base to include spirits, cigars, beers, coffees and teas. The highest honorific for a sommelier is to be a member of the Court of the Master Sommeliers, which has only certified 170 Master Sommeliers since its founding in 1973.
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Other Duties
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Some restaurants may require their sommeliers to compile the wine list served at their establishment, relying on the sommelier's extensive knowledge of wines and spirits. Other organizations may ask sommelier's to coordinate special wine tasting events or courses, and sommeliers are often asked to train the wait-staff of a dining establishment on the basics of wines offered by their restaurant. For especially rare and unique vintages, sommeliers will often be the only member of the staff allowed to decant and pour those beverages.
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References
- Photo Credit red wine pouring down from a wine bottle image by mashe from Fotolia.com
