How to become a winery sommelier

Is becoming a winery sommelier right for me?

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Overview
What do winery sommeliers do?

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How to become a Winery Sommelier

Becoming a winery sommelier requires a passion for wine combined with formal training and certification through recognized programs. Here’s an overview of the general pathway to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Gain Basic Knowledge and Experience
Begin by developing a fundamental understanding of wine. Read books, take some introductory courses, and attend wine tasting events to familiarize yourself with different grape varietals, wine regions, and basic wine terminology.

Formal Education
Enroll in a recognized local or online wine education program, covering wine appreciation and the wine business, to receive foundational training via structured curricula, classes, and exams.

Consider earning a degree in culinary arts, hospitality management, business, or business administration. These programs can provide a broader understanding of the wine and related industries.

Gain Industry Experience
To become a winery sommelier, practical experience is essential. Look for internships or apprenticeships and on-the-job-training opportunities via the following paths:

  • Winery experience – Intern or work at a winery or vineyard to learn about winemaking, viticulture, and the production side of the industry.
  • Work in wine retail – Start as a salesperson in a wine shop or liquor store to learn about consumer preferences and sales techniques.
  • Restaurant experience – Work as a server or bartender in a restaurant with a strong wine program to gain hands-on experience with wine service.
  • Distributor or importer – Seek employment with a wine distributor or importer to understand the supply chain, distribution, and negotiation processes.

Network in the Wine Industry
Build a network of contacts within the wine industry. Attend industry events, wine tastings, and trade shows to meet wine producers and other professionals in the wine and hospitality field. Networking can open doors to collaboration and potential job opportunities.

Wine Tasting and Wine and Food Pairing Skills
Develop your wine tasting and evaluation skills. Practise blind tastings, learn to articulate flavors, bouquets (aromas), characteristics, and nuances of different wines, and become proficient at wine analysis. Understand the principles of pairing wine with food. Experiment with different combinations to develop a sense of how flavors interact and complement one other.

Create an Online Presence
Build an online presence by creating a professional website or blog. Share your knowledge, experiences, and recommendations. This can serve as a portfolio.

Customer Service and Communication Skills
Hone your communication skills. Winery sommeliers need to effectively convey complex information about wine to winery visitors and customers.

Language Skills
Some positions may prefer or require foreign language proficiency, especially if you work in an international or tourist-focused setting. Being fluent in languages commonly spoken by visitors can be an asset.

Stay Informed and Keep Learning
The wine industry is continually evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, emerging practices, wine releases, and market developments. Subscribe to industry publications, follow wine blogs, and attend wine seminars and workshops.

Pursue Certification
Depending on your goals, consider pursuing certifications from reputable organizations. Certifications, which are expected and valued by many employers, can help establish your expertise and make you more marketable as a winery sommelier. These are some recognized organizations and credentials available in the field:

  • Wine Location Specialist (WLS) – Offered by the Center for Wine Origins, the WLS certification focuses on the geographical origins of wine. It is designed for professionals in the wine industry who want to deepen their understanding of the importance of location in winemaking.
  • Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) – WSG certification programs are divided into four levels, covering wine regions, grape varieties, production methods, and winemaking traditions. Essential programs cover French Wine Essentials, Italian Wine Essentials, Spanish Wine Essentials. Scholar programs award the French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Scholar, and Spanish Wine Scholar certifications. Masters programs include Bourgogne, Champagne, and Bordeaux Masters. WSG also offers specialty courses: the Certified Sherry Wine Specialist (CSWS) and Sommelier Secrets.
  • Certified Sommelier – Offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), this is the first level of their certification program. It covers wine theory, wine service, and tasting skills.
  • Advanced Sommelier – This is the second level in the Court of Master Sommeliers program. The Advanced certification entails a more comprehensive and challenging examination, testing advanced knowledge in wine theory, service, and tasting.
  • Master Sommelier – This is the highest level of certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. The Master designation is extremely prestigious and challenging to achieve. It requires in-depth expertise in wine, service, and tasting. There are only a few Master Sommeliers worldwide.
  • The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) – The WSET offers a range of wine and spirits certifications, including Level 1 (Introductory), Level 2 (Intermediate), Level 3 (Advanced), and Level 4 (Diploma). The WSET Diploma is a highly respected credential for wine professionals.
  • The Society of Wine Educators (SWE) – SWE offers several certification programs: the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS), Certified Wine Educator (CWE), Certified Spirits Educator (CSE), and Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC). These educational programs are internationally recognized and highly regarded in the wine and spirits industry.
  • Specialty Certifications – Some organizations offer specialty certifications, such as certifications in spirits, cheese, or food and wine pairings. These can also be valuable for winery sommeliers.

Also providing support to the sommelier community are these organizations:

  • North American Sommelier Association
  • Association of Wine Educators (AWE)
  • Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
  • GuildSomm International
  • International Sommelier Guild
  • SommCon Annual Conference and Expo
  • American Sommelier
  • American Association of Wine Economists (AAWE)
  • Wine Business Institute (WBI)
  • National Association of Wine Retailers (NAWR)
  • National Restaurant Association
  • Culinary Institute of America
  • American Institute of Wine & Food
  • International Wine & Food Society (IWFS)
  • United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG)
  • Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS)
  • American Wine Society