How To Be a Sommelier: The Complete Career Guide

Do you often find yourself talking at length about a particular wine, analyzing its aromas, flavors, and origins? Is your enthusiasm for wine unmatched among your peers? Maybe you spend more time flipping through wine magazines than scrolling social media, or you’re always striking up conversations with wine shop employees (and holding up the checkout line).

If any of this sounds familiar, you might be wondering: Should I become a sommelier?

But what exactly is a sommelier? Is it someone with an encyclopedic knowledge of wine — someone who can tell the flavors and origin like a magician with a swirl of a glass? Is it a wine salesperson, a restaurant professional, or something else entirely? And how do you actually become a sommelier? Do you need a formal degree or certification?

The role of a sommelier is often misunderstood, and the truth is: it’s not a career for everyone. Becoming a sommelier requires a deep commitment to learning — not just about wine but also about service, food pairings, and even the science behind how we taste. It’s an exciting, demanding, and incredibly rewarding path for those who are passionate about wine.

So, is this the right journey for you? Let’s look into what it means to be a sommelier, if this career aligns with your passions, and how to become a sommelier in 7 steps.

What Is a Sommelier?

Basically, a sommelier is a trained, knowledgeable wine professional who manages a wine program and/or serves wine in a restaurant setting.

At the same time, the term “sommelier” has different meanings depending on the context. For some, it refers to the wine expert in a restaurant — the professional responsible for curating the wine list, recommending pairings, and ensuring impeccable wine service.

For others, being a sommelier is about the certification — specifically, earning credentials from an organization like WSET or Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS). However, while CMS certification is prestigious, the certification alone does not make one a sommelier.

Unlike terms such as “doctor” or “lawyer,” there are no laws restricting the use of “sommelier” in most regions — including the U.S., Canada, and most of Europe. What matters most is industry recognition.

In the wine and hospitality industry, a sommelier is expected to have formal training and expertise in wine service, food pairing, and cellar management.

Do You Need To Be Certified To Be a Sommelier?

While not mandatory, certifications from reputable organizations add legitimacy. The two major certifying bodies are:

Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) – Offers the “Certified Sommelier” title and higher levels (Advanced and Master Sommelier). CMS focuses on wine service and hospitality.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) – Though not specific to sommeliers, WSET certifications (especially Level 3 and Diploma) are widely respected. WSET emphasizes wine theory and tasting.

At the same time, many of the world’s best sommeliers have taken alternate paths. Some earn multiple certifications. Others learn entirely on the job. Still others get basic wine, beer, and spirit certifications and learn the rest through working in a restaurant.

Each certifying path has its strengths, and your choice depends on your career goals. If you're aiming for fine dining, CMS certification might be the best route (although WSET can also help). If you are leaning more toward wine education or distribution, WSET may be more useful.

What Does a Sommelier Do?

Regardless of where you work or what level you reach as a sommelier, you are part of the service team. That means, in order to be a sommelier, you need to love people as much as you love wine.

However, the exact responsibilities of a sommelier vary depending on the establishment. In some restaurants, a sommelier oversees the entire wine program, while in others, they focus on table service and guest recommendations. In general, a sommelier’s role may include:

Curating and managing the wine list in collaboration with the culinary team
Selecting wines that complement the restaurant’s menu and concept
Pairing wines with food to enhance flavors and guest experience
Serving wine tableside, explaining its origins, characteristics, and ideal pairings to guests
Training staff on wine knowledge and service standards
Managing inventory and negotiating with distributors to source high-quality wines
Staying updated on wine trends, new regions, and emerging producers

Whether you're working at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a small boutique bistro, your role as a sommelier is all about elevating the customer’s dining experience with wine.

What Qualifications Do You Need?

Beyond certifications, a great sommelier must develop key knowledge, skills, and industry experience. Most establishments will look for someone with the following qualifications:

Wine Knowledge

Deep understanding of wine regions, grape varieties, and vintages
Expertise in winemaking processes and how they affect flavor
Proficiency in blind tasting and wine identification
Knowledge of classic wine producers and rising stars in the wine business
Knowledge of vintages within classic wine regions
Understanding the segmentation of wines/beverages and their importance in the supply chain.
Understanding of food and wine pairings
Knowledge of other beverages, including spirits, cocktails, sake, and even cigars

Service & Hospitality Skills

Experience in fine dining and high-end restaurant service
Exceptional communication skills to engage and educate guests
Ability to multitask — pouring and speaking about wine simultaneously
Table service etiquette, including proper pouring and presentation
Exceptional people skills and ability to “read the room” and adjust service needs to the guest's needs

Technical & Business Skills

Proficiency with restaurant POS systems
Familiarity with inventory management software
Ability to negotiate with wine distributors and suppliers

Ultimately, being a sommelier requires more than just wine knowledge — it includes hospitality, service, and creating memorable experiences. The more you invest in your education, skills, and industry connections, the further you can take your career in wine.

How To Be a Sommelier in 7 Steps

Becoming a sommelier requires a combination of education, certification, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. While some people enter the wine industry through restaurant jobs and mentorship, a structured path can significantly boost your knowledge and credibility. Here’s how to get started.

1. Study: Build Your Wine Knowledge

Before stepping into the professional world of wine, you need to build a strong foundation of knowledge. Studying wine means more than memorizing grape varieties. You’ll need to understand how wine is made, where it comes from, and why it tastes the way it does.

WSET Courses

One of the best starting points is the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines. While CMS is more of a self-study certification, WSET offers a structured course in wine education, making it an excellent choice for aspiring sommeliers. The course covers:

Key wine regions and how geography influences taste
Grape varieties and their characteristics
Factors affecting wine style and quality
Tasting techniques using a structured assessment

Even if you plan to take the CMS certification test, WSET Level 2 serves as a solid base for wine studies. It teaches essential theoretical knowledge and tasting techniques that can help you tackle CMS exams later on.

Wine Books

Beyond formal courses, self-study is crucial. A few must-read books for any aspiring sommelier include:

The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil – A deep dive into wine regions, history, and tasting
Wine Confident: There is No Wrong Way to Enjoy Wine by Kelli A White – A witty, approachable guide that demystifies wine and helps readers enjoy it with confidence.
The Oxford Companion to Wine by Julia Harding and Jancis Robinson – A comprehensive reference book with expert insights

The more you learn, the higher your confidence when discussing wine with customers, employers, and fellow wine professionals.

2. Get Certified

Certification isn’t mandatory to be a sommelier, but it can open doors to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and industry recognition. While there are several paths to becoming certified in wine, WSET and CMS are the two certifications most sommeliers choose.

WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust)

Levels: 1, 2, 3, 4 (Diploma)

Focus: Wine production, geography, styles, and tasting techniques. Less emphasis on service — ideal for those in sales, retail, distribution, or education.

WSET is an academically structured program designed for anyone looking to develop a comprehensive understanding of wine. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to work in wine retail, importing, or distribution, as well as those aiming to gain a Master of Wine (MW) certification later in their career.

Passing WSET Level 4 (Diploma) is a notable achievement recognized throughout the wine industry.

Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS)

Levels: Introductory, Certified, Advanced, Master

Focus: Service, food and wine pairing, and tableside etiquette. Ideal for those in restaurants and hospitality

CMS is specifically designed for wine professionals working in restaurants. Unlike WSET, which focuses on wine theory and tasting, CMS emphasizes service skills. To succeed in this program, you need practical experience in fine dining and wine service, as well as a deep understanding of food pairings, guest service, and tableside etiquette (all typically developed through self-study).

Key Differences Between WSET and CMS:

WSET helps you analyze a wine’s quality, balance, and aging potential
CMS trains you to identify a wine’s region, grape, vintage, and tasting profile in a blind tasting

Additionally, CMS tests a sommelier’s practical skills (such as decanting, pouring, and handling guest requests) at an extremely high level. That said, progressing beyond Level 1 is nearly impossible without working in a restaurant, as real-world service experience is required.

TIP: Both certification routes are valuable, but your career goals should determine which one is right for you. If you’re not planning to work in hospitality, much of the CMS certification may not be useful to you. Instead, consider WSET or other wine education paths that focus more on theory and analysis.

3. Mentorship

Wine knowledge can only take you so far — mentorship will truly accelerate your growth. Real-world experience and hands-on guidance from a seasoned sommelier will refine your skills, improve your service techniques, and help you apply what you’ve learned in a real hospitality setting.

A great mentor will:

Hone your service skills, ensuring you pour, present, and recommend wine with confidence
Identify and help you fill knowledge gaps
Help you navigate tricky service situations, from handling difficult customers to adjusting wine recommendations on the fly
Give career advice on certifications, job opportunities, and networking
Keep you motivated by sharing their passion and expertise

Mentorships may be built into certain courses, but you can also seek one out by working in wine-focused restaurants. If you’re already working in a restaurant, your in-house sommelier is the perfect person to shadow. Observe how they interact with guests, handle wine lists, and train staff — and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Mentorship isn’t just about technical skills; it’s about understanding the nuances of hospitality, learning how to handle high-pressure situations, and developing the kind of presence that makes you stand out in the industry.

4. Master Service & Customer Experience

Even if you’re not officially a sommelier yet, you can start developing key skills on the job. Many restaurant roles (server, bartender, wine steward) offer opportunities to practice wine service, customer interaction, and sales before you land an official sommelier title.

NOTE: This step may take the longest, as many official sommelier positions will require 3 or more years of experience.

Here are some essential skills to develop:

1. Serving Wine Professionally

At its core, a sommelier provides service. This means mastering:

Proper pouring technique (no drips or overfilling)
Decanting wine
Presenting and opening bottles tableside with confidence

2. Customer Service & Soft Skills

Sommeliers must communicate wine knowledge effectively. You need to read the table, understand what guests are looking for, and make thoughtful recommendations without being overbearing or speaking in wine jargon.

Ask the right questions (“Are you in the mood for something bold or light?”).
Interview your guests to understand their preferences (likes and dislikes). Ask questions such as “What is your wine of choice for your daily meals.”
Understand the customer’s wine knowledge (i.e., are they wine experts or newbies? Do they know regions and vintages or is their knowledge limited to basic tasting?).
Adjust recommendations based on budget and preference.
Offer recommendations based on food pairing with chosen courses while maintaining personal preference.
Know when to educate and when to step back.

3. Wine & Food Pairing

One of the most valuable skills a sommelier brings to a restaurant is the ability to pair wine with food. Learn how different wines interact with flavors, textures, and spices. Shadow the chef or kitchen team to better understand the menu composition and how wines can enhance specific dishes.

4. Sales & Upselling

Sommeliers play a crucial role in boosting a restaurant’s revenue through wine sales. Learn how to:

Recommend bottles that fit a guest’s budget while maximizing profit margins.
Upsell gently — offering an aged vintage or a premium bottle without being pushy.
Sell wine pairings with tasting menus or chef specials.
Offer pairings that are educational making guests feel great about discovering new wines.

The more hands-on experience you gain with these skills, the stronger your resume (and confidence) will be when it’s time to apply for a sommelier position.

5. Land Your First Official Sommelier Job

Once you’ve built your wine knowledge, developed your service skills, and worked alongside a mentor, you’re ready to take the next step: applying for a sommelier job.

Refine Your Resume

Your resume should highlight:

Certifications (WSET, CMS, or other relevant courses)
Industry experience (restaurants, wine bars, retail, distribution)
Wine service skills (pouring, pairing, tableside etiquette)
Sales experience (upselling, menu development)

Even if you haven’t held a sommelier title before, frame your past experience to showcase your wine knowledge. If you’ve worked as a server or bartender, emphasize your wine sales, pairing recommendations, and guest interactions.

Prepare for Interviews

Restaurants take hiring sommeliers seriously — you’ll likely be tested on your knowledge. Expect questions like:

“How would you pair wine with our menu?”
“How would you handle a guest who isn’t sure what they want?”
“What’s your favorite wine and why?”
“Tell us about your favorite wine-related interaction with a customer.”

Some employers will also test you on your wine knowledge. Brush up on the information you learned for WSET and CMS certifications before you interview (e.g., practice tasting, review key regions and grape varieties, etc.).

6. Travel and Network

Landing your first sommelier job is an achievement, but the journey doesn’t stop there. To truly excel, you need to keep expanding your wine knowledge, refining your palate, and making connections in the industry.

One of the best ways to do this? Travel and network.

Why Travel Matters for a Sommelier

Experiencing wine firsthand in its region of origin gives you insights that books and courses simply can’t provide. When you walk through the vineyards, meet the winemakers, and taste wine straight from the barrel, you develop a deeper appreciation for terroir, tradition, and technique.

Selling wine is also easier when you’ve been to the region yourself. Guests trust sommeliers and wine salespeople who can share personal stories about the wines they recommend. Saying, “I had the chance to taste this Syrah at a vineyard in the Rhône Valley,” adds credibility and intrigue.

While traveling to major wine regions like Bordeaux, Napa, Piedmont, or Mendoza may not be feasible right away, start with smaller opportunities, such as:

Local wine tours and tastings - Visit nearby wineries and engage with producers.
Industry events and trade tastings - Wineries, distributors, and organizations often host exclusive tastings for industry professionals.
Sommelier-led trips - Some wine education programs offer immersive travel experiences to help you deepen your knowledge.

The Power of Networking

Networking is just as important as traveling. The wine world is built on relationships, and the more industry professionals you know, the more doors will open for you.

Join sommelier groups and associations to connect with others in the field.
Attend wine expos, trade shows, and competitions to stay informed on trends and new producers.
Engage with wine professionals on social media. Follow winemakers, sommeliers, and educators to be part of the conversation. Use Linked In for networking with professionals.
Stay in touch with mentors and colleagues. Many sommeliers land new jobs through industry connections.

You never know when a casual conversation at a wine tasting or networking event could lead to a job offer at a top restaurant or a new opportunity in wine education or sales. The more you immerse yourself in the wine community, the more valuable you become as a sommelier.

7. Continue Learning

Even after you’ve built your career as a sommelier, your journey of learning continues. The world of wine is constantly evolving — new regions become popular, winemaking techniques improve, and consumer preferences shift.

To stay at the top of your game, you must continue honing your craft.

How To Keep Learning as a Sommelier

Take advanced courses and certifications – Consider WSET Level 3 or 4, CMS Advanced, or Master of Wine (MW) to push your expertise further.
Taste wines regularly – Keep exploring new grape varieties, regions, and styles to expand your palate.
Stay updated on wine science – Learn about climate change’s impact on winemaking, new sustainability practices, and innovations in fermentation techniques.
Attend masterclasses and industry workshops – Many wine producers and organizations host exclusive tastings and seminars for professionals.
Read and research constantly – Follow wine publications, books, and experts to stay ahead of industry trends.

Passion Fuels Success

A great sommelier is an eternal student. The most respected professionals in the field are those who remain curious, eager to learn, and dedicated to honing their craft.

The journey of being a sommelier involves continuous growth. If you invest in your knowledge and experiences, the industry will reward you with opportunities, and a lifelong career doing what you love.

Other Wine-Related Careers

Before you fully commit to becoming a sommelier, ask yourself: Do you truly want to work in a restaurant?

Sommeliers play a vital role in fine dining, but their job is deeply rooted in hospitality and service. If the idea of navigating a fast-paced restaurant floor, recommending wine tableside, and ensuring seamless guest experiences excites you, then a sommelier career could be a great fit.

However, if you love wine but don’t enjoy the restaurant environment, there are plenty of other wine-related careers to explore. Many of them allow you to apply the same deep knowledge of wine in different settings.

Wine Critic or Writer

If you love sharing your thoughts on wine and have a talent for writing, consider becoming a wine critic, journalist, or blogger. This career allows you to:

Review wines for magazines, blogs, and publications
Write in-depth articles about wine regions, producers, and trends
Build authority in the wine world through published work
Eventually consult for restaurants, wineries, or collectors

To break into this field, you’ll need to develop strong writing skills and network with publishers and industry professionals. Many wine writers start by creating their own blogs and YouTube channels or build a social media brand before landing writing jobs for established publications.

Recommended certification paths: WSET offers a broader theoretical base, making it more versatile for writing and analysis. CMS can be helpful, but it focuses more on service.

Wine Educator

If you love teaching and inspiring others, becoming a wine educator might be the right path. Instead of working in a restaurant, you’d teach aspiring sommeliers, enthusiasts, or industry professionals about wine through courses, workshops, or books.

A career in wine education allows you to:

Work with wine lovers of all levels — from beginners to professionals
Host tastings and lead classes at wine schools or private events
Write educational materials, books, or online courses
Travel to teach about wine in different settings

Many wine educators pair teaching with writing, creating courses or books to reach a wider audience. If you have a passion for both wine and education, this can be a rewarding career.

Recommended certification path: WSET is preferred since it covers wine theory in a structured way. CMS is more focused on restaurant service. Professional Wine Educator offered by Napa Valley Wine Academy.

Winemaker or Vineyard Manager

If you’re drawn to the science, tradition, and craftsmanship behind winemaking, you might want to become a winemaker or vineyard manager.

As a winemaker, you’ll:

Oversee the creation of wines, from fermentation to bottling
Experiment with blends and techniques to develop unique flavors
Ensure quality control throughout the winemaking process
Manage the vineyard’s health and grape harvest schedules

This career requires a mix of science, tradition, and business acumen. It’s hands-on and demanding, but incredibly rewarding for those who are creative and passionate about the craft.

Recommended certification path: WSET provides foundational wine knowledge, but further education in viticulture and enology (winemaking science) is essential.

Wine Distribution or Sales Representative

If you’re fascinated by the business side of wine, consider a career in wine distribution or sales. This involves selling wine to restaurants, retailers, and private collectors, often working with distributors, importers, and wineries around the world.

A role in wine sales requires:

Strong knowledge of wine pricing, valuation, and investment potential
Persuasive communication skills to sell wine to businesses and consumers
Deep understanding of wine trends

Sales representatives often travel to meet with winemakers and attend industry events to expand their reach through new connections. It’s a fast-paced, dynamic career for those who love wine and sales equally.

Recommended certification path: WSET is essential, as it covers wine history, valuation and is well-suited for a career in distribution. CMS is less relevant for this role.

Wine Retail Service

If you love helping people discover new wines, working in wine retail (whether as an employee, manager, or store owner) can be a fulfilling path. In this role, you’ll:

Curate wine selections based on customer preferences and trends
Educate customers about different styles, regions, and pairings
Build long-term relationships with wine lovers in your community
Manage inventory and pricing to run a profitable business

Unlike a sommelier in a restaurant, a wine retailer builds ongoing relationships with customers, helping them develop their palates over time. If you enjoy long-term customer engagement rather than tableside service, this could be a great alternative.

Recommended certification path: WSET is preferred since it focuses on wine selection and sales strategies.

Winery Tour Guide

If you love travel, storytelling, and sharing your passion for wine in a more relaxed setting, wine tourism may be a great fit — and it’s a growing industry. Winery tour guides play a crucial role in educating visitors about wine production and tasting.

As a winery tour guide, you’ll:

Lead guests through vineyards and cellars, explaining the winemaking process
Conduct tastings and help visitors appreciate different wine styles
Share history and fun facts about the winery and its region
Create an engaging and memorable experience for wine tourists

This is a perfect role for those who enjoy teaching, but without the formality of structured education. Plus, you get to taste wine with people from all walks of life in an immersive environment.

Recommended certification: WSET is helpful, but experience and public speaking skills matter most. CMS may also help you use wine knowledge in conjunction with people/soft skills.

Bartender

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment but prefer a more casual setting than fine dining, bartending might be a better fit. Bartenders still serve wine (depending on the bar) but also work with cocktails, spirits, and beer, making it a more diverse role.

Bartenders must develop:

Strong knowledge of wines, spirits, and cocktails
Quick decision-making and multitasking skills
Customer service skills to engage guests and make recommendations

Unlike sommeliers, bartenders don’t focus as much on wine pairing with food, but they do need a solid understanding of flavors, ingredients, and mixology techniques.

Recommended certification: CMS (or specialized spirits/mixology training) is more relevant than WSET, however WSET will still land you plenty of bartender jobs.

Choosing the Right Wine Career for You

There’s no single path through the wine industry. If restaurant service excites you, becoming a sommelier is a great choice. But if you prefer writing, education, sales, or production, there are plenty of other careers that allow you to work with wine in different ways.

Ask yourself:

Do I love hospitality and tableside service? → Become a sommelier
Do I love writing and analysis? → Become a wine critic or writer
Do I love teaching others? → Become a wine educator
Do I love crafting wine? → Become a winemaker or vineyard manager
Do I love business and sales? → Work in distribution or retail
Do I love travel and tourism? → Become a winery tour guide

No matter which path you choose, investing in wine education and experience will always serve you well.

FAQ: How To Be a Sommelier

How long does it take to become a sommelier?

The timeline varies depending on your education, experience, and career goals. Many aspiring sommeliers can pass the Certified Sommelier (CMS) or WSET Level 2 exams within six months to a year with dedicated study. However, reaching higher levels like Advanced Sommelier (CMS) or WSET Diploma (Level 4) can take several years of experience, coursework, and tasting practice.

What are the different levels of sommelier certification?

The Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) has four levels: Introductory, Certified, Advanced, and Master Sommelier — each requiring increasing levels of expertise and service skills.

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) offers four levels, with Level 1 providing basic wine knowledge and Level 4 (Diploma) being the highest certification you can get in wine.

Should I take WSET or CMS?

It depends on your career goals. WSET focuses on theory, tasting techniques, and wine regions, making it ideal for those in retail, distribution, education, or winemaking.

CMS is tailored for restaurant service, emphasizing tableside etiquette, food pairing, and practical wine service skills.

If you plan to work in hospitality, CMS is the better choice. If you want a broader foundation, WSET is more versatile. Think of your short-term and long-term goals while choosing your study path and plan.

Do I need prior experience in the wine industry to become a sommelier?

Usually, yes. While some restaurants may allow you to start with basic wine education, most want to know that you have put that education into practice at a lower level before landing a job as the “expert”. Plus, many high-level sommelier exams require service experience, so working in hospitality can be a major advantage. At the very least, hands-on experience in a restaurant, wine bar, or retail shop is essential for progressing beyond introductory levels.

How much does a sommelier make?

Salaries vary widely based on experience, location, and establishment type. Entry-level sommeliers earn around $40,000–$50,000 per year, while experienced sommeliers in fine dining can make $70,000–$100,000 or more, especially with commissions on wine sales. Master Sommeliers at top-tier restaurants and luxury hotels can even command higher six-figure salaries.

What does the sommelier career path look like?

Most sommeliers start in entry-level hospitality roles (server, bartender, wine steward) while studying for certification. After gaining knowledge and hands-on experience, they move into Certified Sommelier or wine buyer positions. With further education and industry connections, they can become head sommeliers, wine directors, or consultants. Some sommeliers transition into wine education, sales, or winemaking as their careers evolve. The possibilities are vast!

Start Your Wine Journey Today With Napa Valley Wine Academy

If becoming a sommelier feels like the right path for you, you’re about to embark on an incredible journey. It won’t always be easy — there’s a lot to learn. But if you want to channel your passion for wine into a career, the path is clear, and the rewards are well worth the effort.

The first steps? Study and get certified. Whether you choose WSET or CMS, having the right resources and expert guidance will make all the difference.

At Napa Valley Wine Academy, we believe wine education should be engaging, immersive, and above all — fun. Our instructors bring years of experience in wine study, hospitality, and global wine tours, helping students refine their palates and build the confidence to pursue their dream careers in wine.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming a sommelier, explore our study materials or enroll in a WSET course (online or in-person).

Sign up for WSET Level 1 or Level 2 today and start your journey!

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