Restaurant Sommelier Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of fine dining, the role of restaurant sommeliers has become increasingly prominent.

As the culinary landscape evolves, the demand for skilled individuals who can curate, explain, and enhance our dining experience through wine selection grows significantly.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a restaurant sommelier?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate world of wine pairing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive restaurant sommelier job description template, created for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Restaurant Sommelier Duties and Responsibilities

Restaurant Sommeliers are wine experts who specialize in all facets of wine service, as well as wine and food pairing.

Their main goal is to provide a superb guest dining experience by offering excellent wine recommendations and maintaining the restaurant’s wine inventory.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Providing expert advice to guests on wines based on their personal tastes and food choices
• Working closely with chefs and kitchen staff to understand menu items for appropriate wine pairing
• Creating and updating the wine list in coordination with chefs and the restaurant manager
• Regularly inspecting wine bottles in the restaurant’s collection to ensure optimal taste and quality
• Managing the wine cellar and inventory, including ordering and restocking wine
• Conducting staff training sessions on new wine selections and proper wine serving techniques
• Developing relationships with wine producers and distributors
• Hosting wine tasting events to engage customers and promote the restaurant’s wine selection
• Ensuring the correct storage and serving temperatures for wines
• Properly decanting wines, when necessary.

 

Restaurant Sommelier Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a knowledgeable and enthusiastic Sommelier to join our team.

The Sommelier’s responsibilities include recommending wine varieties to our guests, designing wine menus, and purchasing wines and spirits.

You should be passionate about wine and have a deep understanding of different wine regions, types, and how wine is made.

Our ideal candidate has excellent communication skills, can confidently interact with guests, and make wine pairing recommendations based on their preferences and the food they order.

Ultimately, you should be able to ensure customer satisfaction and augment our establishment’s reputation.

 

Responsibilities

• Recommend suitable wines to guests based on their personal tastes and food choices
• Inform guests about different varieties of wines and prices
• Ensure wines are served at the right temperature and within the proper glassware
• Store open bottles properly to ensure that the taste is not compromised
• Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure proper wine pairing with menu items
• Collaborate with suppliers and winemakers to choose new wines for our menu
• Update wine lists and ensure inventory is stocked
• Train wait staff about available wines
• Check quality and quantity of wine deliveries
• Organize wine tastings and themed wine events

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Sommelier, Wine Steward/Stewardess or similar role
• Extensive knowledge of different wines and which regions produce each type
• Availability to work during opening hours, including weekends and holidays
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
• Certification as a Sommelier or degree in Hospitality Management is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Meal discounts
• Continued wine education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Restaurant Sommelier
• Work Environment: Fast-paced restaurant setting. Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Restaurant Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Restaurant Sommelier Do?

A Restaurant Sommelier, also known as a wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, typically working in fine restaurants.

They specialize in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food pairing.

Their primary duty is to provide excellent customer service, educating guests about the range of wines available, and suggesting appropriate wine selections that complement each specific dish on the restaurant’s menu.

They are also responsible for the development of wine lists and the setting of wine prices.

Furthermore, they manage the wine inventory and work closely with suppliers and distributors to source new and interesting wines.

A Sommelier will often conduct wine tastings and staff training sessions, ensuring the other staff members are knowledgeable about the restaurant’s wine offerings.

In addition to wine, a Sommelier may also be responsible for the restaurant’s selection of other alcoholic beverages like beer and spirits.

Therefore, they should have a broad understanding of all types of alcohol, including the ability to suggest pairings with food.

The role requires a deep understanding of how different wines are produced, the regions they come from, the variations in taste, and how these factors influence the pairing with food.

This knowledge allows them to enhance the dining experience of the restaurant’s patrons.

 

Restaurant Sommelier Qualifications and Skills

A proficient restaurant sommelier should possess certain qualifications and skills to excel in this role, such as:

• Extensive knowledge of wine varieties, characteristics, and pairings to recommend and serve appropriate wines to guests based on their preferences and meal choices.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with guests, clearly explain various wine options, and deliver an exceptional dining experience.
• Customer service skills to handle guests’ requests or complaints professionally and courteously.
• Aesthetic sense to present wines in an appealing manner, and the ability to perform wine decanting and serving with finesse.
• Inventory management skills to keep track of wine stock and ensure its proper storage to maintain quality.
• Basic sales skills to promote specific wines and contribute to the restaurant’s revenue.
• Continuous learning and staying updated about the latest trends in the wine industry, new arrivals in the market, and recent wine-making techniques.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to stand for long periods, lift heavy wine bottles, and navigate through a busy restaurant environment.

 

Restaurant Sommelier Experience Requirements

To start a career as a Restaurant Sommelier, aspiring sommeliers often begin with a foundation of hospitality experience, typically working in a restaurant setting.

This can provide a fundamental understanding of food service and customer relations.

After gaining basic restaurant experience, potential sommeliers usually delve into the world of wine.

This may involve working in wine retail, at a vineyard, or in a role that involves wine service.

This experience helps them learn about different types of wine, wine pairing, and proper service techniques.

Most sommeliers go through formal training and education to deepen their wine knowledge.

This often involves taking courses from certified wine education organizations, which can range from a few weeks to a few years.

After gaining sufficient wine knowledge and experience, sommeliers typically work in an assistant sommelier role.

This position provides the opportunity to learn from an experienced sommelier and gain hands-on experience in wine service.

Candidates for a Restaurant Sommelier position often have at least 3-5 years of experience in the wine industry.

This ensures they have a deep understanding of wine selection, pairing, and service, as well as experience handling the logistical aspects of wine inventory and storage.

For sommeliers aiming for top-tier restaurants or wine director positions, more extensive experience is usually required.

This may include several years as a lead sommelier, experience with managing large wine inventories, and the ability to train and lead a team.

In addition to experience, many high-level sommelier jobs require certification from recognized wine education bodies.

This certification demonstrates a high level of wine knowledge and professional commitment.

 

Restaurant Sommelier Education and Training Requirements

The role of a Restaurant Sommelier typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, higher education in the field of hotel management or hospitality is often advantageous.

Sommeliers should possess extensive knowledge about wines, spirits, and other beverages, as well as food pairing.

This can be gained through work experience, self-study, and formal education.

Many aspiring sommeliers pursue professional certifications through recognized wine education institutions, such as the Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), or the Institute of Masters of Wine.

These programs range in level from beginner to advanced, with the highest being the Master Sommelier designation.

In addition to wine knowledge, a sommelier should also have strong customer service skills, be able to communicate effectively, and have a keen sense of taste and smell.

Continuous learning and keeping updated with the latest wine trends and vintages is also a key requirement for this role.

While not a requirement, knowledge of a second language, especially French or Italian, can be beneficial given the international nature of wines and spirits.

Work experience in a fine dining environment can also be advantageous, as it provides practical experience with wine service and customer interaction.

 

Restaurant Sommelier Salary Expectations

A Restaurant Sommelier earns an average salary of $51,826 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can differ based on the level of expertise, certification, geographical location, and the reputation of the restaurant.

 

Restaurant Sommelier Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Restaurant Sommelier need?

A Restaurant Sommelier must have a deep understanding of wine varieties, vineyards, and winemaking techniques.

They should also possess strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with customers and understand their wine preferences.

Additionally, sommeliers must have good sensory skills to evaluate the taste, aroma, and appearance of wines.

 

Do Restaurant Sommeliers need a degree?

While a degree is not strictly necessary, many sommeliers have some form of formal training in viticulture, oenology, or hospitality.

There are also several professional certifications that sommeliers can earn to demonstrate their expertise, such as those offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers or the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

 

What should you look for in a Restaurant Sommelier’s resume?

A potential Restaurant Sommelier’s resume should highlight their knowledge of wine and any relevant certifications they hold.

It should also detail their experience in customer service roles, particularly in fine dining establishments.

Look for a history of working with wine, whether through previous sommelier positions, wine retail, or winemaking.

 

What qualities make a good Restaurant Sommelier?

A good Restaurant Sommelier must be passionate about wine and eager to share their knowledge with others.

They should have excellent communication and customer service skills to effectively advise customers and enhance their dining experience.

A good sommelier should also be detail-oriented and organized to manage the restaurant’s wine inventory effectively.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Restaurant Sommelier?

Hiring a Restaurant Sommelier can be challenging due to the specific skills and knowledge required for the role.

Not only do they need to be well-versed in all aspects of wine, but they also need to have strong people skills and a knack for customer service.

The demand for qualified sommeliers often outweighs the supply, making it a competitive field.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncorked the bottle on what it genuinely means to be a sommelier at a restaurant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about pouring wine.

It’s about cultivating a palate-pleasing journey, one bottle at a time.

With our go-to restaurant sommelier job description template and real-life examples, you’re fully equipped to make a move.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to perfectly curated listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every bottle uncorked contributes to the overall dining experience.

Let’s uncork that future. Together.

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