Sommelier
The sommelier is involved in different points of contact with wine and other beverages. The Sommelier recommends wines that suit the customer's tastes and price range. Even those who know wine can benefit from the sommelier's advice.
If you are thinking about studying the sommelier degree you need to learn about how to become a sommelier, know what tasks they perform and the required skills to become one.
How to become a professional wine sommelier?
The ability to speak English clearly and cordially is essential for successful performance as a sommelier. In tourist cities, the customers of restaurants and bars are mostly tourists and generally do not speak the local language.
Sommeliers are individuals passionate about wine, they know how to describe the grapes, the vineyards and the region where a variety of wines comes from. Sommeliers are good at adapting to different environments (Boats, Halls, Restaurants) and are quick in their service.
Train and attend international events on gastronomy, food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, food and wine pairing and technology applied to the industry.
The role of a sommelier
Sommeliers have a primarily service-based role, as they usually work in restaurants to meet customers' needs and ensure that wines pair well with the menu.
Their role includes knowledge and experience in managing vineyards and wineries to track deliveries, wine storage and stock levels. They are experts in wine purchasing, wine tasting and customer service.
Some tasks of the sommelier
They include wine sales, tastings at events, phone sales, wine tastings, pairings, wine tourism routes, writing wine articles for wineries.
Among their tasks they may provide wine service to the guests of a restaurant. In addition to serving wine, their duties may include daily control of the cellar stock.
During a service the sommelier must be well informed about the wine list and suggest wines to guests who ask for advice. Knowledge of how to pair wine with food is imperative.
Duties include cleaning and disinfecting your work area and work tools following Public Health rules and regulations.
Work in Restaurants
High-end restaurants generally hire the services of Sommeliers. The sommelier works with the chef and restaurant owners to maintain a suitable variety and quantity of wines on hand, to complement the chef's food and provide a more complete experience for diners. Physically managing inventory, from ordering and receiving bottles to ensuring they are stored properly. During service periods, the sommelier visits diners' tables, recommending wines that complement the food and respect each diner's personal preferences.
Skills needed to become a sommelier
For professional growth, it is important to develop research skills about different types of wine and their origin. Communication skills are necessary since sommeliers are dedicated to providing high-quality service to ensure the best customer care, and the ability to concentrate is useful when multitasking.
What makes you stand out in a positive way as a Sommelier is refining and discovering new limits with our senses to understand the characteristics of each wine.