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

Nov 26, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rise of the senior sommelier has had a major impact on the restaurant industry. As the demand for knowledgeable, experienced professionals in this field continues to increase, more and more restaurants are looking to hire sommeliers to help them create unique and memorable experiences for their customers. The expertise of a senior sommelier can help restaurants to provide customers with carefully curated wine selections, as well as suggestions for food pairings and other recommendations.

Furthermore, it can help them to create a more profitable business by increasing the average sale amount per customer. As a result, senior sommeliers are becoming increasingly valuable assets in the restaurant world, and their services are in high demand.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a minimum of two years of experience in the hospitality industry working as a sommelier.
Enroll in a certified sommelier program and pass the certification exam.
Take additional courses to specialize in wine and beverage studies, such as the International Sommelier Guild (ISG) Advanced Sommelier Diploma Program.
Work as a sommelier for a minimum of five years in a Michelin-starred restaurant, fine dining establishment, or high-end winery.
Attend professional seminars and wine tastings in order to stay current on trends and developments in the wine industry.
Apply for the advanced level Master Sommelier Exam and pass it.
Obtain a minimum of 10 years experience as a sommelier in a fine dining establishment or winery.
Become a member of the Court of Master Sommeliers or other accredited organizations.
Participate in seminars, workshops and tastings in order to keep current on wine trends.
Network with other sommeliers and wine enthusiasts.

In order to become a skilled and efficient senior sommelier, one must have a thorough understanding of wine and all that it entails. This includes having knowledge of wine varieties, regions and winemaking techniques, as well as being able to recognize the subtle nuances of different wines. it is important to be able to pair wines with food and recommend the best wines for a given occasion.

This requires a deep understanding of the flavors and aromas of different wines and the ability to articulate this knowledge to customers. Furthermore, it is beneficial to have an eye for selecting quality wines and recognizing potential faults in a wine, such as cork taint or oxidation. Finally, senior sommeliers must possess strong organizational and communication skills in order to manage staff and work effectively with restaurants, suppliers and customers alike.

By combining these skills with a passion for wine, one can become a skilled and efficient senior sommelier.

You may want to check Specialty Wine Sommelier, Food & Beverage Sommelier, and Education Sommelier for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and maintain an extensive knowledge of wine and spirits
Select wines and beverages for restaurant menus
Advise on wine pairings and food-wine combinations
Make recommendations for wine tastings, special events, and private events
Assist in creating wine lists for the restaurant
Assist in training wait staff on wine and beverage knowledge
Place orders for wine, spirits, and other beverages
Monitor stock and storage of wine and other beverages
Provide excellent customer service to guests
Ensure all wines are served in accordance with health and safety laws
Research and stay informed on current trends in the wine industry
Work with vendors, suppliers, and distributors to ensure quality products and services
Establish relationships with local wineries and vineyards to acquire special wines and offerings
Participate in wine events, tastings, and festivals

Skills and Competencies to Have

Extensive knowledge of wine varietals, regions, and appellations
Expertise in food and wine pairing
Ability to provide detailed information on wine characteristics
Ability to anticipate and meet customer needs
Ability to recommend and upsell wines
Knowledge of proper wine storage and service protocols
Excellent communication skills
Professionalism in customer service
Familiarity with wine industry trends
Proficiency in using restaurant point of sale systems
Ability to assist with inventory management and ordering
Knowledge of wine laws, regulations, and taxes in the region

The skill of a Senior Sommelier is highly important to have in the hospitality industry. It requires a thorough knowledge of wines, their production techniques, regions, grape varieties, flavours and other details that are essential for successfully pairing wines with different types of food. A Senior Sommelier must also possess a keen eye for detail and be able to quickly spot any imperfections or flaws in the wines that they are serving.

Having a deep understanding of the different wines and their characteristics also gives them a greater ability to suggest the most appropriate one for any given occasion or meal. Furthermore, they must have excellent customer service skills as they will often be interacting with customers on a regular basis. the skill of a Senior Sommelier is essential to ensure that guests have an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Banquet Sommelier, Beverage Sommelier, and Wine Steward Sommelier are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How did you become interested in wine?
What experience do you have in selecting and purchasing wine for an establishment?
Describe your approach to creating a wine list.
How would you go about educating staff on the elements of wine tasting and service?
What steps do you take to ensure customer satisfaction with the wines served?
How do you advise customers on food-wine pairings?
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult customer situation related to wine.
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in the wine industry?
What do you think sets you apart from other sommeliers?
What strategies do you use to make wine accessible to customers who may be unfamiliar with the subject?

Common Tools in Industry

Wine Spectator Vintage Chart . A chart showing the general quality and style of vintage wines (eg: 1996 Bordeaux rated 96 points).
Coravin System . A tool that allows you to pour wine without pulling the cork, allowing for wine to be preserved for longer (eg: use the Coravin System to pour a glass of a bottle that has been open for several days).
Wine Cellar Management Software . A program that helps manage and organize a wine cellar, including inventory, pricing, and tracking sales (eg: VinCellar for Windows).
Wine Tasting Notebook . A notebook designed to help track and remember the characteristics of wines tasted (eg: Tasting Notebook from Wine Folly).
Wine Refractometer . A tool used to measure the sugar content of a wine sample, helpful in determining the ripeness of a grape (eg: Refracto 30ATC from Atago).
Wine Glasses . A range of glasses designed to enhance the flavor, aroma, and appearance of different types of wines (eg: Riedel Vinum series).

Professional Organizations to Know

Court of Master Sommeliers
Association de la Sommellerie Internationale
American Society of Wine Educators
International Sommelier Guild
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust
International Wine & Spirits Competition
National Restaurant Association
National Association of Wine Retailers
The Institute of Masters of Wine
Society of Wine Educators

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

Common Important Terms

Vintner. A person who produces wine or owns a winery.
Cellar Master. An individual responsible for the management of a wine cellar, including the organization, selection and maintenance of wines.
Wine Tasting. The sensory evaluation of a wine, typically involving an analysis of its aroma, flavor, body and finish.
Wine Pairing. The selection of a wine that complements a specific food or dish.
Wine Education. The study of wines, including grape varieties, viticulture, vinification, tasting techniques, and wine regions.
Wine Varietals. Specific types of grapes used to make wine.
Appellation. A defined geographic region where grapes are grown for use in wine production.
Terroir. The environmental factors that affect the taste and quality of a particular wine.
Vinification. The process of winemaking, which includes fermentation, aging, and bottling.
Wine Label. The bottle label that contains information about the origin and content of the wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Senior Sommelier?

To become a Senior Sommelier, one must have at least 5 years of experience in a wine-related field, Level 3 Advanced Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and a passing score on the Advanced Sommelier Examination.

What duties does a Senior Sommelier typically perform?

A Senior Sommelier typically oversees the wine selection and inventory in a restaurant, provides wine education and training to staff, and assists customers in selecting wines that pair with their meals.

What type of salary can a Senior Sommelier expect to earn?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a Senior Sommelier is $62,200 per year.

What type of professional development opportunities are available for Senior Sommeliers?

Professional development opportunities for Senior Sommeliers include courses, seminars, and workshops related to wine-tasting, food-pairing, and wine-buying. Additionally, Senior Sommeliers may pursue higher certifications such as the Certified Master Sommelier exam.

What type of organizations are associated with the world of Senior Sommeliers?

Professional organizations associated with the world of Senior Sommeliers include the Court of Master Sommeliers, the Society of Wine Educators, and the American Sommelier Association.