I won’t sugarcoat it: becoming a sommelier is no easy feat. But if I can do it, trust me, you can too. When I began my wine journey, I was completely unprepared for how challenging it would be. I didn’t realize how little support and resources were available for those starting out–or how competitive this industry was once you got into it. After I passed my exams and earned the title of Certified Sommelier, I became determined to break down some of the barriers I faced by sharing quality wine education that was accessible, easy to understand, and fun for everyone.
So, if you dream of walking around in a crisp suit, expertly recommending the perfect wine pairing, and impressing your friends with your knowledge of obscure Italian reds…keep reading. I’m sharing 5 steps to help you turn that dream into a reality and truly start living the sommelier life.
Step 1. Start in Service
My top recommendation for aspiring sommeliers is to get a job in the service industry. I started out in a BBQ steakhouse, and it was honestly the best training ground. Besides managing a massive wine list, a sommelier must also be able to handle tricky customers, bus tables, take drink orders, and all the other hospitality tasks that keep a restaurant running.
Having service industry experience under your belt will be incredibly useful as you begin taking your exams (there’s an entire section dedicated to hospitality and service) and will help you have a level of confidence when you step into the sommelier role for the first time.
Step 2. Study Up
Now it’s time to nerd out about wine. I promise this is the fun part!
Wine 101: Four Books to Start Your Wine Journey
Books to Read: To this day, I wish I’d started my wine journey with Kevin Zarly’s Windows on the World. It’s a fun and engaging introduction to wine, and I routinely lend out my copy to new wine enthusiasts. If you’re more of a visual learner, check out Wine Folly by Madeline Puckette and Justin Hammack. These books cover everything from grape varieties to wine regions while providing insider knowledge to help you navigate the complexities of the wine industry.
Online Courses: Online wine courses are easier to find than a bottle of Pinot Noir at a dinner party–and are a great way to get a feel for the fundamentals. However, I know from experience that many beginner-level courses are expensive ($400-$700), packed with too much information, and don’t provide you with the tools to fully comprehend and retain what you learn. That’s why I created the Online Wine Course.
I worked in collaboration with wine educators and advanced sommeliers for almost a year to design this course. It’s beginner-friendly, affordable, and offers bite-sized wine education that can serve as a bridge to professional certification.
Pro-tip: Find a mentor if you can–someone who will show you the ropes of wine tasting, pairing, and other industry nuances. I was lucky enough to have one, and it made all the difference. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a wine pro you admire, you might be surprised who says yes!
Step 3. Get Certified
After topping off your wine knowledge, it’s time to make it official. While certification isn’t strictly required to work as a sommelier, most wine professionals get a Level 1 certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers as a way to test their skills, prove their knowledge, and add credibility to their resume.
The certification process involves a series of exams. First, you have to pass the Introductory Course & Examination, which serves as a prerequisite for the Certified Sommelier Examination. Then, there are the Advanced and Master Sommelier Examinations. These certifications can open the door to higher pay and more leadership opportunities, but few sommeliers go on to complete all. In fact, there are only 279 certified Master Sommeliers in the world (and only 25 are women).
Step 4. Network, Network, Network
Remember when I said this industry is competitive? Well, that means the hard work isn’t over after you pass your exams. Even with a sommelier certification, it can be difficult to find job openings. For reference, it took me over four months and several interviews before I found my first position. Attending tastings, volunteering at industry events, and joining wine groups can help you connect with fellow professionals and find opportunities that you might not have stumbled upon otherwise.
Step 5. Practice and Persevere
This might be the most important step of all. There will be times when you feel like you’re in over your head, like you’ll never be able to taste the difference between oaked and unoaked Chardonnay or adequately discern the ripeness in a glass of wine. But don’t forget that every sommelier has been where you are and dealt with these uncertainties. The best thing you can do is keep practicing your skills and refining your palate. Trust that your confidence will build with time.
Becoming a sommelier is not a quick or easy journey. It requires hard work, dedication, and a true passion for wine. But keep pushing through and you’ll find the rewards of this career are worth every challenge it takes to get here.
Ready to get started? Sign up for my Online Wine Course and get instant access to 3+ hours of video content and worksheets, 16 quizzes, a comprehensive exam–and a graduation pin and certificate after you pass
Sources:
https://www.foodandwine.com/wine/sommelier-school-career-how-become
https://www.mastersommeliers.org/certification/exams/exam-faqs/