Career guide

Sommelier: career guide and training

As a sommelier you advise guests on choosing drinks and let them taste, then manage the purchasing and stock and compile the drinks list.

What will you do?

People also call you a drinks expert or a cellar master. You select and buy the drinks, design the drinks card, do the mise en place and welcome guests. You take orders, prepare and serve drinks, run the bar and dining service and check deliveries.

  • Select and buy the drinks for the establishment
  • Design and compile the drinks card
  • Do the mise en place and welcome the guests
  • Advise guests on the drinks card and take their orders
  • Prepare and serve drinks at the bar and in the dining room
  • Check deliveries and follow up the stock
  • Work cost consciously and hygienically

Skills to develop

  • Broad knowledge of wines, beers and other drinks
  • Advising and welcoming guests warmly
  • Managing purchasing and stock
  • Food safety and hygiene awareness
  • Communication and sales skills
  • Team coordination in busy service

Your foundation for this occupation

Learn grapes, styles, structured tasting and storage. Advice connects food with guest preferences and budget.

From preparation to your first day

  1. Develop the practical skills

    Practise tasting, bottle presentation and careful opening and pouring.

  2. Check your work

    Check condition, serving temperature and stock records; explain wine without unnecessary jargon.

How can you grow?

Progress towards beverage management, buying or service-team training.

Frequently asked questions

Must I memorise every wine?

Understand styles and master your own list. A clear comparison helps guests more than a long catalogue of wine terminology.

Sources and training

Could this be your match?

A vacancy only tells part of the story. Discover how your skills, work style and commute fit a job in the Werkvolk app.

Free for candidates