A wine sommelier (often just called a sommelier) is a trained wine professional who specializes in wine knowledge, service, and pairing wine with food—usually in fine dining, hospitality, or luxury settings
What a sommelier actually does
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Curates wine lists – selects wines that fit the restaurant’s cuisine, style, and budget
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Advises guests – recommends wines based on taste preferences and food orders
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Food & wine pairing – matches wines to enhance the dining experience
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Wine service – proper opening, decanting, temperature, and glassware
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Cellar management – inventory, storage conditions, and purchasing
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Education – trains staff and sometimes hosts tastings or wine dinners
Levels of sommeliers
Not all sommeliers are the same level—there’s a hierarchy:
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Introductory / Certified Sommelier – foundational knowledge
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Advanced Sommelier – deep regional, service, and tasting expertise
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Master Sommelier (MS) – elite level; fewer than ~300 worldwide
Many follow certification paths like the Court of Master Sommeliers, known for its famously difficult exams.
Where sommeliers work
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Michelin-star restaurants
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Luxury hotels & resorts
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Private clubs & yachts
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High-end wine retailers
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Wine consulting, education, or wine investment advisory
