Sommeliers are wine experts who advise guests on wine selection, pair wines with meals, and oversee wine inventory in restaurants, hotels, or wineries.
What is a typical day as a Sommelier?
– Assisting guests in selecting wines that pair well with their meals or preferences
– Creating and updating the wine list to ensure a diverse and high-quality selection
– Managing the storage and inventory of wines to maintain quality and availability
– Hosting wine tastings or events to educate staff or guests about wine varieties
What else might they be expected to do?
– Train restaurant staff on wine knowledge and service etiquette
– Research and source wines from local or international suppliers
– Collaborate with chefs to create wine pairings for special menus or events
– Monitor wine trends and introduce new varieties to the menu.
What type of training is needed for this career path?
– No formal education is required, but certification as a Sommelier from organizations like the Court of Master Sommeliers or the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is highly valued.
– Experience in hospitality or wine retail is advantageous.
– Continuous learning about wine regions, vintages, and pairing techniques is essential.
What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path?
– Personable, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented individuals excel in this role.
– Big 5 Traits: High openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
– Myers-Briggs types: ENFP (enthusiastic and people-focused) or ISFP (creative and hands-on).
What kind of interests do people in this career path have?
– Artistic (A): Passion for the sensory and cultural aspects of wine.
– Social (S): Interest in engaging with guests and sharing wine expertise.
– Investigative (I): Desire to study and understand wine production and pairing techniques
What types of organizations hire for this role?
– Sommeliers work in fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, resorts, wineries, cruise ships, and private clubs. Some also work independently as wine consultants or educators
What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path?
– Managing customer expectations for premium wine selections
– Staying updated on a vast and ever-changing variety of wines
– Balancing the cost of maintaining an extensive wine inventory with profitability
What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects for a Kenyan citizen?
– Kenya and Africa: Opportunities are emerging in fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, and safari lodges catering to international tourists.
– International: Certified sommeliers with strong expertise are competitive for roles in global wine-focused establishments, luxury resorts, and wineries.
What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career?
– Gain certifications and deepen knowledge about wine regions, production, and pairings.
– Develop strong interpersonal skills to engage with guests and staff.
– Stay informed about global wine trends and emerging regions.
Which other careers or job roles can I progress to?
– Beverage Director
– Wine Consultant
– Winery Manager
– Food and Beverage Manager