The sommelier is responsible for drinks, especially wine, in restaurants with high service standards (Fine dining). Interest in the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI), founded in 1969 in Reims, France, has increased to promote and advance the sommelier profession.
Although the main purpose of this profession in the early days was to taste and serve wine, today they take an active role in many matters from buying to selling. So much so that the cellars of the restaurants are under the control of the sommelier.
A sommelier (or wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food pairing. The role of the sommelier in fine dining today is much more specialized and informed than that of a wine waiter. Sommeliers Australia states that the role is strategically on par with that of the chef de cuisine.
A sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable bartender and wine expert who works in fine restaurants and specializes in all aspects of the wine industry, as well as wine service and wine and food pairing.
Sommelier's Duties in the Restaurant:
They serve and assist guests with wine selection. They can make recommendations according to their tastes and wishes and give information about food-wine compatibility.
They are responsible for wine purchasing and stock management.
They must provide persuasive consultancy and apply special sales techniques to increase wine sales by creating good and permanent customer potential.
They are responsible for the management of the wine cellars. Wines must be stored correctly.
They can make a wine list and develop a menu.
They can describe the regions, vineyards, and varieties of wines obtained from grapes.
The Master Sommelier Diploma is the highest level of certification awarded by the Court of Master Sommeliers. It requires passing all theory, blind tasting, and service sections higher than the advanced sommelier examination.
Daily life as a sommelier
As a sommelier, your days are filled with wine. You learn about wine, taste wine, and talk about wine. It's a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun.
You start the day by checking in with the restaurant manager and other co-workers to see what events are happening that day. If there is a special event, you must ensure the wine list is updated and you have enough wine on hand. You'll also need to check on any private parties that may be taking place and make sure their wine needs are met.