With sparkling wine sales up 76% in the past five years and wine growing in popularity across the country, a career in the wine industry is increasingly attractive. Sommelier jobs involve work in licensed premises including restaurants, wine bars, hotels, private clubs, overseas resorts and onboard ships to manage the wine service.
A Sommelier will be responsible for compiling the wine list in liaison with management and/or the head chef. They will also be on hand to guide diners in their choice of wine to accompany their food, and will often be able to advise on other accompaniments to a meal such as aperitifs, cocktails, cigars, digestifs and liqueurs.
Most sommelier jobs develop strong links with suppliers and travel abroad regularly to sample new vintages for inclusion on the ‘carte'.
A respected sommelier will often employ his own staff that he/she will train alongside the front of house brigade.
Sommelier jobs may have to work long and irregular hours, including evenings and weekends in busy and demanding restaurant environments and will spend a lot of time speaking to customers and colleagues and visiting the kitchens and cellar.
Job requirements for wine Sommelier jobs:
Sommeliers will have extensive training in all aspects of wine growing, harvesting and bottling and will have achieved qualifications from either WSET or another industry body.
Sommeliers will be communicative and sociable individuals who are passionate and knowledgeable of wine and the wine industry and are professional and customer orientated.
As of January 2019, the UK average salary of a Sommelier is £26,400, however, this will vary greatly dependant on role and experience.
Contact the Hospitality Division Team
Email the Hospitality Division at hospitality@stafffinders.co.uk