How to Be Head Sommelier - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 14, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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When it comes to food and wine pairings, having a knowledgeable Head Sommelier is essential. Their expertise in the area of wine selection can be the difference between a good dining experience and a great one. By understanding the nuances of flavors and aromas in both the food and the wine, the Head Sommelier can recommend the perfect accompaniment to enhance the culinary experience.

a Head Sommelier will also be able to suggest alternative wines for customers who may not have a preference for any particular varietal. As a result, customers have the opportunity to enjoy a more diverse range of wines with their meal, further enhancing their experience and appreciation for the food.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most employers require a bachelors degree in hospitality management, business, or a related field.
Obtain Certification. The Court of Master Sommeliers offers the only internationally recognized certification for sommeliers. This program is designed for experienced professionals and requires candidates to pass several levels of exams to become certified.
Gain Experience. Head sommeliers must possess extensive knowledge of wine and the wine industry, so experience in the field is essential. Working as a sommelier at a restaurant or wine shop is a great way to get started.
Network. Developing relationships with wine distributors and importers is important for head sommeliers. It is also important to attend conferences, tastings, and seminars to stay up to date on the latest trends and products in the wine industry.
Take Leadership Courses. Aspiring head sommeliers should take leadership courses and workshops to develop the skills necessary to lead a team of sommeliers.
Apply for Open Positions. After gaining experience and developing the skills necessary to become a head sommelier, it is time to apply for open positions. Head sommeliers usually work in upscale restaurants and hotels, so it is important to research potential employers before applying.

The path to becoming a skilled and competent sommelier requires dedication, hard work, and a deep understanding of the complexities of wine. To become a successful sommelier, one must first obtain a certification from a recognized professional organization. This certification provides an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in the field of wine tasting, selection, and service.

Once certified, sommeliers must continuously hone their skills through practice and continued education. As sommeliers become more experienced, they can deepen their expertise by attending seminars and wine-related events to gain further insight into the industry. They must also stay abreast of new trends and techniques in order to provide the best service possible.

the combination of education, experience, and passion is what sets the successful sommelier apart from the rest.

You may want to check Banquet Sommelier, Restaurant Sommelier, and Wine & Spirits Sommelier for alternative.

Job Description

Train and mentor staff in wine service and sales
Develop and manage wine list including pricing and inventory
Monitor wine sales and recommend changes to enhance profitability
Evaluate and purchase new wines
Maintain relationships with wineries and distributors
Design and implement wine tasting menus
Educate guests on wine features, benefits, and characteristics
Develop and implement wine pairing programs with menu items
Provide wine suggestions for special events
Oversee staff responsible for daily wine service

Skills and Competencies to Have

Extensive knowledge of wine production, grape varietals and wine regions
Ability to taste and evaluate wines for quality and style
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills
Excellent organizational, communication and problem-solving skills
Ability to confidently advise customers on wine selection
Proven ability to create and maintain a profitable and diverse wine list
Knowledge of wine laws, regulations and standards
Ability to train and supervise staff
Knowledge of food-wine pairings
Attention to detail and record-keeping abilities

Having an in-depth knowledge of wines and beverages is essential for any aspiring Sommelier. However, there are other skills that are equally important to ensure success in the field. One such skill is the ability to accurately evaluate a wine or beverage and make recommendations based on the customer's preferences.

This requires a deep understanding of the different types of wine and their origins, characteristics, and flavor profiles. Sommeliers must be able to educate customers on the history of wines and their respective regions, as well as provide recommendations for food and wine pairings. Furthermore, having a keen palate for tasting wines and being able to detect the subtle nuances of each vintage is an especially valuable skill to have.

Finally, a successful Sommelier must possess excellent customer service skills to create a memorable dining experience for their patrons. By combining all of these skills together, a head Sommelier can create an outstanding experience for their customers and drive success for the restaurant.

Beverage Sommelier, Senior Sommelier, and Wine Room Sommelier are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working as a sommelier?
How would you describe your wine knowledge?
How have you successfully paired wines with food in the past?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the wine industry?
What strategies do you use to build relationships with customers?
What techniques do you use to educate guests and build their confidence to purchase wines?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot an issue with a customer's wine selection.
How do you ensure that the wines available are of the highest quality?
How do you handle challenging customer requests in regards to wine selection?
Describe how you would handle a situation where a customer was unhappy with the wine selection and wanted a refund.

Common Tools in Industry

Coravin. A device that allows users to pour wine without removing the cork, preserving quality and taste. (eg: ideal for serving wines by the glass without fully opening a bottle).
Corkscrew. A tool used to open bottles of wine with a cork. (eg: traditional waiter's corkscrew with a two-step design for easy removal of corks).
Wine Preserver. A device used to remove air from an open bottle of wine, preserving it for later use. (eg: uses a vacuum seal and food-grade nitrogen gas to prevent oxidation).
Wine Thermometer. A device used to measure the temperature of a bottle of wine. (eg: helps to ensure that the wine is served at the proper temperature).
Wine Glasses. A set of glasses specifically designed for drinking wine. (eg: red wine glasses are typically larger and have wider bowls than white wine glasses).

Professional Organizations to Know

Court of Master Sommeliers
Society of Wine Educators
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust
International Sommelier Guild
Association de la Sommellerie Internationale
European Sommelier Association
American Sommelier Association
Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers
Guild of Sommeliers
Institute of Masters of Wine

We also have Regional Sommelier, Private Sommelier, and Food & Beverage Sommelier jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Wine List. A collection of wines available for sale, either in a retail setting or in a restaurant or bar.
Vintage. A vintage is the year in which a particular wine was made.
Varietal. A varietal is a type of grape used to make a particular type of wine.
Tasting. Tasting involves sampling and analyzing a specific wine to determine its characteristics, quality and potential.
Vintage Chart. A vintage chart is a chart that details the quality of various vintages of a particular type of wine, usually over a period of several years.
Appellation. An appellation is an area where a specific type of wine is produced.
Food and Wine Pairing. Food and wine pairing is the process of selecting wines that best complement the flavors of certain foods.
Cellar Management. Cellar management involves managing the storage and aging of wines in order to maintain their quality and aging potential.
Coravin System. The Coravin system is a tool for accessing and pouring wine from bottles without having to open them.
Wine Education. Wine education involves learning about all aspects of wine, from viticulture and winemaking to tasting and food pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Head Sommelier?

A Head Sommelier is a professional wine expert responsible for managing a restaurant's wine selection, training staff on wine knowledge, and providing wine service to guests.

How much experience is typically required to become a Head Sommelier?

Most employers require a minimum of five years of experience in the wine industry as a sommelier, with some requiring up to ten years.

What qualifications do you need to become a Head Sommelier?

To become a Head Sommelier, one must have specialized knowledge of wine and spirits, including the different types, regions, and vintages. Additionally, many employers require certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

What type of responsibilities does a Head Sommelier have?

A Head Sommelier is responsible for overseeing the restaurant's wine selection, training staff on wine knowledge, and providing wine service to guests. They must also be knowledgeable about food and wine pairings, as well as food safety regulations.