What are typical wine service responsibilities 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
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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
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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
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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

In a sommelier's job, the main responsibilities include selecting and purchasing wines, managing the wine cellar, and ensuring wines are served correctly. They also create wine lists that complement the menu, advise guests on the best wine pairings, and sometimes even conduct wine tastings or training sessions for other staff members.

Common misunderstanding: Wine knowledge is everything.

Whilst deep wine knowledge is essential, you also need skills in inventory management, proper storage, and customer service. You enhance the dining experience through guest interaction, not just wine expertise.

Let's say you are a sommelier working at a busy restaurant. Beyond knowing about wine regions and grape varieties, you would manage stock levels, ensure proper cellar temperatures, train servers about wine service, and help nervous guests feel comfortable choosing wines. These skills together make you valuable to the establishment.

Common misunderstanding: Sommelier roles are identical everywhere.

Sommelier responsibilities change based on the type of establishment. High-end venues focus on unique wine lists and personalised service, whilst casual settings emphasise accessible selections and approachable recommendations.

Let's say you are considering different sommelier positions. At a Michelin-starred restaurant, you might curate rare wines, design multi-course pairings, and provide detailed wine education. At a neighbourhood bistro, you would focus on affordable options, quick recommendations, and helping guests discover new wines without intimidation.

Why should guest interaction be emphasised in sommelier roles?

Effective guest interaction is crucial in sommelier roles because it enhances the dining experience, helps in understanding guest preferences, and builds a rapport that can contribute to customer loyalty and repeat business. A sommelier who interacts well with guests can make them feel valued and appreciated, turning a simple meal into a memorable experience.

Common misunderstanding: Wait for guests to ask questions.

Proactive engagement improves the dining experience. You should start conversations about wine choices, share interesting stories, and offer insights that help guests enjoy their meal more.

Let's say you are serving a couple celebrating their anniversary. Instead of waiting for them to ask about wine, you might approach their table, congratulate them, and suggest a special bottle that pairs perfectly with their meal. Sharing the wine's story and why it's perfect for celebrations creates a memorable experience.

Common misunderstanding: All guests want detailed wine discussions.

Guests have different comfort levels with wine knowledge. Some enjoy detailed conversations about regions and vintages, whilst others prefer simple recommendations. Reading the table and adapting your approach is essential.

Let's say you are serving two different tables. The first table includes wine enthusiasts who ask about terroir and vintage variations - you would engage in detailed discussions. The second table seems overwhelmed by the wine list - you would offer simple, confident recommendations like 'This wine pairs beautifully with your fish' without technical details.

How do wine service tasks differ between fine dining and casual settings?

In fine dining settings, wine service tasks often involve a more detailed approach, including the presentation and decanting of wine, detailed knowledge about wine origins, and sophisticated pairing with high-end cuisine. In contrast, casual dining settings might focus on a more straightforward, accessible approach to wine service, such as recommending popular or local wines that are more budget-friendly and generally pleasing without extensive backstory.

Common misunderstanding: Fine dining means expensive wines only.

Even in upscale restaurants, understanding value wines matters. Guests appreciate recommendations that balance quality with their budget, and not everyone wants the most expensive bottle.

Let's say you are working at a fine dining restaurant where a young couple is celebrating a graduation. They might have a limited budget but still want a special experience. You could recommend an excellent mid-priced bottle that offers great value and explain why it's perfect for their celebration, making them feel valued without breaking their budget.

Common misunderstanding: Casual restaurants don't need wine expertise.

Even in relaxed settings, skilled sommeliers greatly improve guest experiences. You can help people discover new wines, find perfect pairings, and feel confident about their choices, elevating their entire meal.

Let's say you are working at a casual wine bar where a group of friends wants to try something new. You could guide them through a wine flight that introduces different styles, explain what makes each wine special in simple terms, and suggest food pairings. This education and enthusiasm can turn occasional wine drinkers into regular customers.