"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."
Involves the study of wine and wine service, including wine tasting, pairing, and selection.
Wine Regions: Learning about the different wine regions and the grapes they produce is crucial for a sommelier. Understanding how climate and terrain affect the wine can help identify the characteristics of the wine.
Wine Tasting Techniques: Sommeliers must know how to properly taste wine to identify its characteristics. This includes understanding the basics of aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel, and how to evaluate them.
Wine and Food Pairing: Knowing how to pair wine with the right food is important for a sommelier. They must understand the flavors of different foods and how they interact with wine to create a balanced and enjoyable dining experience.
Wine Production: It is important for sommeliers to know how wine is made, from the vineyard to the bottle. They must understand the different production methods and how they affect the final product.
Wine Storage and Service: Sommeliers must understand the proper storage and serving temperatures of different wines, as well as the correct glassware and decanting methods to ensure the best experience for the customer.
Wine Labels and Terminology: Understanding the information on wine labels and the meaning of common wine terminology is important for a sommelier. This includes knowing how to read a wine list and describe wine to customers.
Grape Varieties: Sommeliers must have a deep knowledge of the different grape varieties used in winemaking. This includes their characteristics, growing regions, and the wines they produce.
Wine History and Culture: A sommelier should have an understanding of the history and culture of wine, from its origins to the present day. This includes knowledge of famous wine regions, historical figures in the wine industry, and traditional winemaking practices.
Wine Business: Sommeliers should understand the business side of the wine industry, including pricing, sales, and marketing strategies. They should also be able to make informed buying decisions based on budget and customer preferences.
"Sommeliers typically work in fine restaurants."
"The role of the sommelier in fine dining today is much more specialized and informed than that of a wine waiter."
"A sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional."
"Sommeliers specialize in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food pairing."
"The role is strategically on par with that of the chef de cuisine."