What personality traits should I include in a sommelier job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

Sommelier Interview Template

This interview template provides a structured approach to interviewing sommelier candidates. Use this guide to conduct consistent, fair interviews and objectively score responses. Use weighted scoring to get an accurate overall assessment - score each area 1-5, then calculate your final weighted score using the formula provided.

Review candidate's CV, certifications, and wine industry experience
Prepare interview room and arrange wine cellar tour if appropriate
Have scoring sheets, pen, water, and palate cleanser available
Ensure interview will not be interrupted for 60 minutes
Review current wine list, pricing structure, and food menu
Prepare wine samples for tasting assessment if conducting one
Have sommelier certifications reference guide available
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Advanced certifications (Level 2+ or equivalent) with clear passion for wine
4 - Good: Solid wine education with relevant certifications and genuine interest
3 - Average: Basic wine education but shows commitment to learning
2 - Below Average: Limited formal wine education or unclear motivation
1 - Poor: No formal wine education or poor understanding of sommelier role
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Sophisticated pairing approach with excellent understanding of flavor profiles
4 - Good: Good pairing knowledge with practical understanding of menu compatibility
3 - Average: Basic pairing knowledge but limited creative approach
2 - Below Average: Limited pairing experience or poor understanding of food compatibility
1 - Poor: No understanding of wine pairing principles
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Comprehensive wine program experience with vendor relationships and cost management
4 - Good: Good inventory management with understanding of purchasing and suppliers
3 - Average: Some inventory experience but limited program management
2 - Below Average: Limited inventory management or poor understanding of wine business
1 - Poor: No experience managing wine inventory or supplier relationships
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Excellent guest service examples with strong sales and communication skills
4 - Good: Good guest interaction skills with ability to read customer preferences
3 - Average: Basic guest service skills but adequate communication
2 - Below Average: Limited guest service experience or poor communication
1 - Poor: Cannot demonstrate guest service skills appropriate for sommelier role
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Active learning with clear knowledge sharing and team development strategies
4 - Good: Stays current with trends and shares knowledge with colleagues
3 - Average: Some professional development but limited knowledge sharing
2 - Below Average: Limited professional development or knowledge sharing
1 - Poor: No evidence of continuous learning or team development
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5 - Excellent: Comprehensive cellar management with excellent technical wine service knowledge
4 - Good: Good technical knowledge with practical cellar management experience
3 - Average: Basic technical knowledge but limited hands-on cellar experience
2 - Below Average: Limited technical wine management skills
1 - Poor: Poor understanding of wine storage and service standards
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Strong collaboration examples with excellent understanding of kitchen-wine synergy
4 - Good: Good teamwork with practical examples of kitchen collaboration
3 - Average: Basic collaboration skills with some kitchen interaction
2 - Below Average: Limited team collaboration or poor kitchen relationship
1 - Poor: Cannot work effectively with kitchen team
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5 - Excellent: Extensive training experience with clear development programs for staff
4 - Good: Good training skills with practical examples of staff development
3 - Average: Some training experience but limited systematic approach
2 - Below Average: Limited training experience or poor teaching ability
1 - Poor: Cannot demonstrate staff training capabilities
Answer here
5 - Excellent: Perfect recommendation with excellent explanation of pairing logic and alternatives
4 - Good: Good recommendation with solid pairing rationale
3 - Average: Adequate recommendation with basic pairing understanding
2 - Below Average: Poor recommendation or weak pairing logic
1 - Poor: Inappropriate recommendation or no understanding of pairing principles
Demonstrates genuine passion for wine and continuous learning
Shows excellent communication skills and ability to educate guests
Exhibits professional presentation appropriate for fine dining environment
Expresses commitment to developing restaurant's wine program
Shows understanding of wine as part of overall dining experience
Indicates availability for evening and weekend service requirements
Asks thoughtful questions about wine program goals and restaurant philosophy

Weighted scoring: Rate each area 1-5, then multiply by the decimal shown (35% = 0.35). Example: If Wine Knowledge = 4, then 4 x 0.35 = 1.4. Add all results for your final score. Maximum possible score is 5.0.

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Strong Hire - Offer position immediately
Hire - Good candidate, offer position
Maybe - Conduct wine tasting assessment or check references
Probably Not - Significant concerns, unlikely to hire
Do Not Hire - Not suitable for this role

When crafting a job description for a sommelier, it's important to include personality traits that align with your restaurant's culture and service style. Essential traits often include a passion for wine, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work well in a team. Additionally, traits like adaptability, attention to detail, and a friendly demeanor can make a big difference in how well the sommelier fits into your team and interacts with customers.

Common misunderstanding: Personality traits are less important than technical skills for a sommelier.

While technical skills are crucial, the personality of a sommelier also greatly impacts their effectiveness. A sommelier with the right personality traits can enhance the dining experience, making guests feel welcomed and valued, which is just as important as their wine knowledge.

Common misunderstanding: All sommeliers should have the same set of personality traits.

Different restaurants have different vibes and customer expectations. The ideal personality traits for a sommelier in a bustling, casual dining place might differ from those needed in a quiet, upscale restaurant. Tailor the traits in your job description to match your specific setting and clientele.

How do I describe the ideal personality fit for my restaurant's sommelier role?

To describe the ideal personality fit for your restaurant's sommelier, reflect on your establishment's atmosphere and the type of interactions that occur between staff and guests. For example, if your restaurant prides itself on a formal and exquisite dining experience, you might look for a sommelier who is polished, articulate, and knowledgeable, with a calm demeanor. Conversely, a more relaxed or innovative setting might benefit from a sommelier who is approachable, energetic, and creative.

Common misunderstanding: The ideal personality fit is the same across all types of restaurants.

Each restaurant has a unique character and customer base, and the sommelier's personality needs to complement this. It's not one-size-fits-all; what works well in one environment may not suit another.

Common misunderstanding: Describing personality traits is less important than listing job duties.

While job duties are essential, describing the personality traits helps attract candidates who are more likely to thrive in your restaurant's environment. This can lead to better job satisfaction and longevity in the role.

Why is it crucial to match a sommelier's personality to my restaurant's pace and style?

Matching a sommelier's personality to your restaurant’s pace and style is crucial because it affects how well they can integrate with the team and meet the expectations of your guests. A mismatch can lead to conflicts or a disconnect with guests, which can impact the overall dining experience and the reputation of your restaurant.

Common misunderstanding: Skills are more important than personality in fast-paced environments.

Even in fast-paced environments, a sommelier's personality can significantly impact their effectiveness. For instance, a sommelier who thrives under pressure and maintains a positive demeanor can enhance team dynamics and improve customer interactions during busy times.

Common misunderstanding: A good sommelier can work in any type of restaurant.

While a skilled sommelier can adapt to various environments, those whose personalities naturally align with the restaurant's style and pace will generally perform better and contribute more positively to the team and guest experiences.