What is a sommelier? What they do and how to get the most from one

A sommelier is a trained wine professional, usually working in a restaurant, who helps guests choose wine to suit their food, taste and budget. The best sommeliers aren’t wine snobs; they’re friendly, knowledgeable people who love helping you find something you’ll enjoy. Here’s what they do and how to make the most of their expertise.

What does a sommelier do?

A sommelier’s job goes well beyond pouring wine. They typically:

• Build the wine list, choosing which wines the restaurant stocks.
• Buy and manage the cellar, keeping track of stock and storing wine correctly.
• Match wine with food, working with the chef to suggest pairings for each dish.
• Advise guests, helping them choose wine within their budget.
• Serve wine properly, at the right temperature, in the right glass, decanting when needed.
• Train staff, so the whole team can talk confidently about wine.

Many also know about beer, spirits, sake, coffee and tea.

How do you become a sommelier?

There’s no single route, but most sommeliers learn on the job while studying for qualifications. Two of the best-known bodies are:

• The Court of Master Sommeliers, which runs four levels of exams focused on service, tasting and theory. Passing the final Master Sommelier exam is famously difficult, and there are only a few hundred Master Sommeliers in the world.
• The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), based in London, which offers courses from beginner Level 1 up to the expert-level Diploma.

The Master of Wine qualification, from the Institute of Masters of Wine, is another of the toughest wine qualifications in the world, with only around 400 holders worldwide.

Sommelier vs wine waiter

In a casual restaurant, a wine waiter might bring and pour your wine. A sommelier has much deeper training and responsibility for the whole wine programme.

How to get the most from a sommelier

Many people feel nervous asking for wine advice. Don’t. A good sommelier wants to help, and you won’t be judged.

1. Tell them what you like. “We like smooth reds” or “something crisp and dry” is all they need.
2. Mention what you’re eating. They’ll suggest something that works with your food.
3. Give a budget, discreetly. Point to a price on the list and say “something around this”. A good sommelier will understand straight away.
4. Ask for their favourite. Sommeliers often have hidden gems that offer great value.
5. Ask for a taste. Many restaurants will let you taste wines sold by the glass.

Tasting the wine at the table

When the sommelier pours a little wine for you to taste, you’re not checking whether you like it. You’re checking it’s not faulty, for example “corked”, which gives a musty, damp-cardboard smell. If it smells clean, give a nod. Learn more in our guide to corked wine.

Bring the sommelier home

You can recreate the experience at home with a little planning. Choose wines to match each course, serve them at the right temperature and use decent glasses. A mixed case is a great way to explore, and our guides to serving temperatures and decanting will help.

For an evening that feels like a restaurant, try a crisp Chablis with a starter, a silky Burgundy Pinot Noir with the main and a glass of 10 Year Old Tawny with cheese.

FAQs

How do you pronounce sommelier?

“Suh-mel-yay” or “som-uh-lee-ay” are both widely used in the UK.

Should you tip a sommelier?

In the UK, service is usually included in the bill or shared among staff, so there’s no need to tip separately unless you want to.

Can anyone learn to taste like a sommelier?

Yes. It takes practice rather than a special palate. Read our guide to becoming a wine expert.