What Is A Sommelier

Also known as a wine steward, a sommelier is basicy a wine expert. Often trained professiony in types of wines, sommeliers genery work in nice restaurants, wineries and other areas serving exclusive wines. Many restaurants employ wine waiters who specialize in serving wine as well as assisting customers to match wine with s of food. While many sommeliers are also wine waiters, not wine waiters are sommeliers. To become a sommelier takes a deal of education on wines, including a dedication to the art of wine tasting and a knowledge of wine production and aspects of wine consumption.

A sommelier works primarily with wine procurement for their specific establishment, whether it be a restaurant, bar, nightclub, casino, resort, spa or even cruise line. They also manage wine storage, wine cellar rotation and presentation of wines to that establishment's clientele. A sommelier often prepares the wine list, a group of wines that have been chosen depending on their match with the head chef's chosen menu items, as a sommelier should be an expert on matching wine with certain foods. Many find restaurants will suggest wines with each menu item. These suggestions many times have been prepared by a sommelier.

sommelier pouring wine

Master Sommelier

There were roughly 170 master sommeliers throughout the world in 2009. Just 74 or these individuals are presently in North or South America, while another 25 are located in Europe. Although very difficult to achieve, the first step to becoming a master sommelier is to receive a degree or certification that has been accredited by the governing bodies of wine worldwide.

Sommelier Certifications & Salaries

The primary governing body of sommeliers is The Court of Master Sommeliers. Established in 1977, this certification body offers a range of certifications including the following:

  • Master Sommelier Diploma
  • Advanced Sommelier Certificate
  • Certified Sommelier Certificate
  • Introductory Sommelier Certificate

Sommeliers across the US can earn average salaries in the range of just $28,000 annuy to start to over $80,000 annual for those with experience. Sommeliers at restaurants and wine establishments can make much more, some even earning well over six figures per year for their expertise. It is good to check with each school to find out whether or not they are affiliated with these certifications before applying.

Where Can You Find A Sommelier School?

Below are a number of wine programs available across North America. We encourage our visitors to request information from as many as you wish. Review each program to see if it meets your needs and career goals.

Nutritionist Programs:

Matching School Ads

Arizona State University Online

Online

Why ASU?

At ASU, learning online is effective, flexible and smart. Every program delivered online is developed by the same excellent faculty who teach on our campuses, and is designed to engage students and professors in meaningful ways. The result? Our students are an integral part of a New American University.

ASU students who learn online connect with the full university experience: interaction with internationally recognized faculty, access to collections from ASU's eight award-winning libraries, an alumni network tens of thousands of members strong, and membership in a community of thousands of students pursuing their degrees.

Kaplan University

Online

Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education. Eligible students can receive college credit for prior military experience and coursework—up to 75 percent of the credit needed for a Kaplan University undergraduate degree.*

Programs offered:

Keiser University Campus

Campus

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's in demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Keiser University College of Golf and Sport Management

Online

Work toward your degree online with Keiser University College of Golf and Sport Management. We offer a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sport Management that can be completed 100% online.

Programs offered:

Ashworth College

Online

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs offered:

California University of Pennsylvania

Online

Study online with California University of Pennsylvania. We offer certificate and bachelor's and master's degree programs in a wide variety of fields that can be completed 100% online.

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs offered:

Matching School Ads