A restaurant's sommelier is far more than a wine steward. Yes, they bring deep wine knowledge — but they also support your kitchen, guide your team, and elevate your guests' experience with every pour. They're educators, curators, inventory managers, and storytellers all in one.
Hiring the right sommelier requires more than a passion for wine. You need someone who can align with your restaurant's identity, engage guests confidently, and translate wine lists into memorable experiences. A clear, detailed job description ensures you attract candidates who bring both expertise and hospitality to the table.
Here's what to include in your restaurant sommelier job description — and why it matters.
Why a clear restaurant sommelier job description matters
Sommeliers play a central role in both the front- and back-of-house experience. They don't just recommend wines; they design your wine program, ensure proper service standards, train your staff, and work with vendors and chefs to build pairings that impress even the most discerning palates.
Depending on the restaurant, they may also:
Curate beer, sake, and spirits selections
Educate the team on flavor profiles and upsell strategies
Monitor and manage inventory to minimize shrinkage
Stay on top of trends to guide seasonal or regional offerings
A sommelier's influence can shape your restaurant's reputation and bottom line. A great job description sets clear expectations and helps you connect with the right candidates for this high-touch, high-impact role.
What an example restaurant sommelier job description looks like
Here's how you might structure your sommelier job posting to attract top-tier candidates:
Job Title: Sommelier
Location: [Restaurant name], [City, State]
Pay: List hourly wages or salary and whether tip income is included
Schedule: Full-time or part-time, and when shifts typically occur
Restaurant Overview: Describe your concept, service style, and team culture. What kind of wine program do you run? Who are your guests?
Roles and Responsibilities:
Curate and maintain a thoughtful, profitable wine list
Order wines and manage inventory levels, pricing, and storage
Negotiate prices and build relationships with wine vendors
Collaborate with chefs and managers on food and wine pairings
Educate servers and bar staff on wine offerings and service standards
Recommend wines to guests based on their preferences and meals
Ensure proper glassware, temperature, and presentation
Host staff trainings, customer tastings, or "wine of the month" events
Maintain compliance with local alcohol laws and health standards
What We're Looking For:
Prior experience as a sommelier, wine steward, or beverage director
In-depth knowledge of varietals, terroir, regions, and trends
Confidence in curating wine lists and managing costs
Exceptional service skills and table presence
Ability to train others and lead with hospitality
Flexible availability for evenings, weekends, and events
Formal wine education or certification (e.g., WSET, CMS) preferred
Perks & Benefits:
Competitive compensation and tip structure
Flexible scheduling
Growth opportunities, including travel and education
Health benefits
Staff meals or dining discounts
A culture of collaboration and excellence
Key elements of an effective restaurant sommelier job description
To attract the right candidates and streamline hiring, focus your sommelier job description around five core elements:
1. Type of restaurant
Your sommelier should match your concept. Whether you're an upscale fine dining destination or a bustling bistro with a bold natural wine list, describe your vibe, your clientele, and the wine experience you want to offer.
2. The work schedule
Sommeliers often work evenings, weekends, and events. Be clear about what availability you're seeking and whether the role is full-time, part-time, or event-driven.
3. Restaurant sommelier duties
Go beyond "curate wine list." Outline what the sommelier actually does day to day, like staff education, pairing suggestions, or cellar management. Include both technical and interpersonal responsibilities.
4. The pre-requisite job requirements
Mention wine certifications if they're required or preferred. And highlight other must-haves like vendor experience, guest interaction skills, or budget oversight.
5. The perks and benefits you offer
Sommeliers are in demand. Use your job description to show what makes your restaurant a rewarding place to work, from creative control to team culture to perks like travel, compensation, or continued education.
What to look for in restaurant sommelier resumes
When reviewing resumes, look for a combination of:
Wine education (WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers, etc.)
Experience managing a wine program, including list creation and inventory
Deep knowledge of wine regions, varietals, and pairing theory
Strong service and interpersonal skills
Training or mentorship experience
Also consider whether the candidate's previous roles align with your restaurant's pace, price point, and wine style. Some sommeliers thrive in classic fine dining; others are experts in biodynamic, natural, or region-specific selections. Choose the one who fits your concept and can grow with your team.
How a strong job description boosts retention and performance
Hiring a sommelier is about investing in a role that can elevate your restaurant's entire guest experience. And turnover is expensive. When you clearly outline expectations, responsibilities, and rewards in your job description, you're more likely to attract sommeliers who will thrive long term.
As Mike Solomonov, co-owner of CookNSolo Restaurants, puts it:
"We look at revenue, we look at sales, but really, we look at the way to position our employees and upward mobility for them. And that's what determines our growth."
A great job description is your first step toward showing sommeliers why your restaurant is a place worth investing their knowledge and talent.
Hiring for other restaurant roles? Check out our guides to hiring the perfect restaurant manager, server, busser, host, and bartender.
