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

Jan 19, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Becoming a Specialty Wine Sommelier requires an extensive knowledge of various types of wines, including the cultivation process, production techniques, and flavor profiles. One must also be able to properly pair wine with food and provide knowledgeable advice to customers. This type of expertise is acquired through formal education, experience in the field, and certifications.

In return, a Specialty Wine Sommelier has the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, such as restaurants, wineries, hotels, and private events. Furthermore, they can make a lucrative career out of their expertise and experience, providing high end service to customers and helping to educate them on the vast array of wines available.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Wine Education Certificate. To become a Specialty Wine Sommelier, you must earn a wine education certificate from a recognized organization. There are several organizations that offer wine education courses, such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the International Wine & Spirits Academy (IWSA), and the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS).
Develop Your Palate. After completing your certificate program, its important to continue to develop your palate. This can be done through regular tastings of different wines and attending wine-related events.
Take an Advanced Sommelier Exam. Once you feel confident in your wine knowledge, you can take an advanced sommelier exam. This exam will test your knowledge of wine styles, regions, and grapes.
Become Certified. Once you pass the advanced sommelier exam, you can then apply for a specialty wine sommelier certification. This certification is recognized by the Court of Master Sommeliers and will demonstrate your knowledge of the subject.
Participate in Tastings and Events. Once you are certified, you can start participating in wine tastings and other wine-related events. This will help you to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the world of wine and will also help to establish yourself as an authority in the field.
Maintain Your Certification. To maintain your specialty wine sommelier certification, you must attend continuing education classes and participate in tastings and events regularly. This will help to ensure that your knowledge of wine remains current and that you are able to provide valuable advice to your clients.

In order to stay ahead and capable as a wine sommelier, it is important to constantly stay up to date on the latest trends in the wine and spirits industry, as well as hone your tasting skills. This can be achieved by attending workshops, seminars and tastings, reading industry publications and blogs, and engaging with other professionals in the field. participating in sensory evaluation courses and certification programs can improve ones knowledge of wine, while seeking out new experiences such as visiting vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms can give one a better understanding of the production process.

Finally, having a strong network of fellow sommeliers and winemakers is essential for gathering information, exchanging ideas, and staying competitive. By following these steps, a wine sommelier can stay ahead and capable in their field.

You may want to check Banquet Sommelier, Wine Room Sommelier, and Cellar Sommelier for alternative.

Job Description

Provide wine education to customers and staff.
Develop and maintain an extensive knowledge of wine varietals, styles, and regions.
Conduct regular tastings, pairings, and classes for customers and staff.
Recommend wines to customers based on their preferences and budget.
Maintain inventory of wine selections and supplies.
Monitor wine storage conditions and turn over stock as needed.
Manage wine list updates and ensure accuracy of pricing and descriptions.
Respond to customer inquiries regarding wine selections, pairings, and availability.
Collaborate with chefs, bartenders, and other staff to create unique experiences for customers.
Utilize wine software to manage bottle inventory, pricing, and ordering.

Skills and Competencies to Have

In-depth knowledge of regional and international grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and wine and food pairing.
Ability to differentiate between various styles and quality levels of wines.
Advanced blind tasting skills and knowledge of current trends in the wine industry.
Highly developed communication, customer service and sales skills.
Comprehensive understanding of wine laws and regulations.
Proven ability to maintain an accurate inventory and ordering system.
Expertise in wine storage, serving, and presentation techniques.
High level of organizational and problem-solving skills.
Working knowledge of computers and software programs related to sommellerie.
Ability to assess customer preferences and make appropriate recommendations.

The most important skill for a Wine Sommelier is the ability to accurately assess a wines flavor profile. This skill requires an understanding of various aromas and flavors, which can be acquired through extensive tastings, research, and an understanding of the different grape varietals. With this knowledge, a sommelier can accurately pair wines with certain meals and recommend the best wines for a given occasion.

a sommelier must be knowledgeable about the production methods of different wineries, as well as the viticulture practices of different regions. This knowledge helps them distinguish between high-quality wines and lower quality wines. Furthermore, a sommelier should also have excellent customer service skills, as they are often required to educate customers about the wines and provide recommendations for the best wines for their meal.

These skills are essential for a successful wine sommelier.

Restaurant Sommelier, Senior Sommelier, and Wine & Spirits Sommelier are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the wine industry?
How familiar are you with the different wine regions and their primary grapes?
What is your philosophy on food and wine pairing?
How do you stay informed about new developments in the world of wine?
Describe a time when you successfully identified a customers preferred wine style.
How do you handle difficult customers who may have knowledge gaps regarding wine?
Are you comfortable working with high-end clients and their specialized requests?
In what ways do you think wine can enhance a dining experience?
What strategies do you use to introduce customers to new wines?
What is your process for selecting wines for a wine list?

Common Tools in Industry

Wine Spectator Vintage Chart. A tool containing detailed information on the quality of various vintage wines. (eg: 1988 Chteau Margaux was rated 95 points by Wine Spectator)
Wine Glasses. A variety of wine glasses used to drink different types of wine. (eg: a sparkling wine glass is designed with a narrow bowl to enhance the bubbles)
Wine Opener. A tool used to open bottles of wine. (eg: a corkscrew is a common type of wine opener)
Wine Aerator. A device used to increase the oxygen content of a bottle of wine. (eg: an aerator provides more flavor and aroma to the wine)
Wine thermometer. A tool used to measure the temperature of a bottle of wine. (eg: a thermometer is used to ensure the wine is served at the optimal temperature)
Wine Preserver. A device used to store opened bottles of wine for later use. (eg: a vacuum sealer is an effective way to preserve an opened bottle of wine)
Wine Decanter. A vessel used to aerate and decant red wines. (eg: a decanter can be used to separate sediment from the liquid)
Tasting Notebook. A notebook used to record tasting notes of wines tasted. (eg: a tasting notebook can help sommeliers remember flavors and aromas of wines for later reference)

Professional Organizations to Know

Court of Master Sommeliers
Society of Wine Educators
International Sommelier Guild
American Wine Society
Association of Wine Educators
International Association of Wine and Spirits Educators
American Sommelier Association
French Wine Society
Association des Sommeliers
Spanish Sommelier Association

We also have Food & Beverage Sommelier, Corporate Sommelier, and Assistant Sommelier jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Varietal. A type of grape used to make a particular type of wine.
Vintage. The year in which the grapes used to make the wine were harvested.
Terroir. The distinctive characteristics imparted to a wine by the unique combination of soil, climate, and other environmental factors of the region in which it is grown.
Appellation. A legally defined and protected geographical indication used to identify where the grapes used in production of a wine were grown.
Wine Tasting. The sensory evaluation of a wine, encompassing aroma, flavor, texture and body.
Wine Aging. The process of storing a wine in an environment that is conducive to its development and maturation over time.
Aroma. The smell of a wine.
Bouquet. The combination of aromas that develop from the aging and maturing of a wine.
Palate. The combined taste, smell, and texture of a wine as experienced in the mouth.
Finish. The aftertaste or lingering flavor that remains in the mouth after tasting a wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Specialty Wine Sommelier?

A Specialty Wine Sommelier is a professional who specializes in the knowledge and service of fine wines. They have expertise in tasting, pairing, and serving wines as well as knowledge of wine production, history, and geography.

How long does it take to become a Specialty Wine Sommelier?

Becoming a Specialty Wine Sommelier typically requires approximately 200 hours of coursework and examination.

What type of courses are required to become a Specialty Wine Sommelier?

Courses necessary to become a Specialty Wine Sommelier usually include topics such as wine tasting techniques, wine service, and pairing wine with food.

What is the most important skill for a Specialty Wine Sommelier?

The most important skill for a Specialty Wine Sommelier is the ability to identify different types of wines and accurately describe their characteristics.

What is the examination process for becoming a Specialty Wine Sommelier?

The examination process for becoming a Specialty Wine Sommelier includes written exams and tasting exams that assess knowledge of grape varieties, wine regions, and winemaking techniques.