▷ What is a sommelier or wine expert and what does he do?

Have you ever wondered how to choose the perfect wine for a special dinner or how to discover new flavors that will fully delight your taste buds? In such situations, a specialist with an overflowing passion for this noble drink is needed: the sommelier. But what is a sommelier and what does he do and what are his tasks? In the following lines we will delve into what it means to be a skilled sommelier, what skills and what training this profession requires, but also what the responsibilities of this specialist are. Here’s what you need to know!

What does sommelier mean?

Nowadays, the term “sommelier” defines a wine expert with a deep knowledge of viticulture, winemaking, as well as the art of tasting, serving and pairing wines with food. The word, however, comes from the French language and originally referred to a person responsible for transporting goods. Over time the term was used to describe the person who was responsible for selecting and serving wines at royal courts or in luxury restaurants. The role of the sommelier has progressively evolved and diversified, but today remains synonymous with competence in the world of wine in general.

The skills, training and certification of a sommelier

Being a skilled sommelier requires more than just knowledge of wine tasting techniques. This profession requires a unique combination of skills that includes extensive knowledge of wine production, famous wine regions, the most popular grape varieties, ideal tasting techniques for award-winning wines or rare drinks paired with food. Added to this is attention to detail and excellent communication skills to be able to share this vast knowledge with clients.

As a result, training a sommelier is a rigorous and ongoing process. Many aspiring sommeliers begin their careers in the hospitality industry, particularly in restaurants or bars, where they can gain hands-on experience serving and tasting drinks. There are also specialized schools and accredited training courses that offer intensive courses and professional training in wine tasting.

Certification is also an important aspect of the sommelier’s career. There are various organizations and associations that offer internationally recognized certification programs, such as The Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) or International Sommelier Guild. Each level of certification provides a certain degree of recognition in the wine industry and requires a rigorous examination process.

What responsibilities and duties does a sommelier have?

A good sommelier fills many roles in a restaurant, winery or specialty shop. Here are some of the main responsibilities and duties of this specialist:

Wine list management

If you are wondering what a sommelier does in a selected location to offer wines for tasting, here are some of his duties:

selection of wines – the sommelier is responsible for creating and updating the restaurant’s wine list. This activity involves choosing wines that fit the restaurant concept and offer adequate variety in terms of wine regions, grape varieties and wine styles;
price negotiation – the sommelier can negotiate prices with wine distributors to get the best deals for that location;
maintenance of stocks – The expert monitors wine supplies and places orders to ensure there is always a wide variety available.

Customer Services

wine recommendations – the sommelier interacts with customers to advise them the right wines for a romantic dinner or the perfect options based on your preferences, budget and dishes chosen from the menu. The ability to pair food with the right wine is an important aspect of this task;
taste – a wine expert can also organize tastings for customers, both individually and for groups, offering an educational and fun experience;
serve wine – the sommelier ensures that the wine is served at the ideal temperature, in the right glasses and following the appropriate label.

Other responsibilities

continuous training – sommeliers dedicate themselves to continuous learning, participating in courses, tastings and events in the wine field to be as informed as possible about trends in the sector;
marketing and promotion – some specialists may also be involved in the marketing and promotion activities of the restaurant’s wines or the point of sale price list;
staff training – in restaurants and tasting rooms, the sommelier can train the service staff on wines, helping them in turn to offer advice to customers.

In general, the specific responsibilities of a sommelier can vary depending on the type of establishment in which he works (restaurant, specialty shop, winery), its size and staff structure.

How can a wine specialist help you?

Whether you are a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, a sommelier can be an invaluable guide during your drinking experiences. Here are some of the ways a wine expert can help you:

choose the perfect wine – you need guidance when you receive a restaurant’s extensive wine list or when you choose wine for the wedding? A sommelier can help you select the ideal option based on your preferences, budget and favorite dishes. With the help of experts, your experience will surely be harmonious;
explore new regions and varieties – the world of wine is vast, with different wine regions and numerous types of grapes. If you want to discover new regions, grape varieties you have never tried before and wine styles that suit your tastes, dare to ask for the advice of a specialist;
develop your knowledge – are you interested in learning more about wine? A sommelier can be a great teacher! You will be able to participate in tastings guided by sommeliers to refine your gustatory and olfactory senses, but also to learn to identify the characteristics of the wine;
make smart purchases – if you want to invest in collectible wines or simply looking for a good bottle in the shop, a sommelier will be able to give you advice based on his expertise, but also advice on how to properly store drinks and how to serve them to enjoy their full potential;
creating special moments – do you want to turn a simple dinner into a memorable evening? Ask for the help of a specialist to create a pleasant atmosphere and a truly refined dining experience!

So, what a sommelier is and what he does, I discovered in the lines above. He is a dedicated professional, passionate about the world of wines, with extensive knowledge and rich experience in the industry. His main role is to advise and assist customers in choosing the best wines and exploring this fascinating art. Because we know how important the experience of such a specialist is, at Crama Gîrboiu we have a dedicated sommelier, who can guide you in choosing the best drinks from our collection. Come to a tasting in our location and gain new knowledge in this fascinating field!