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Sommeliers

Descriptions & Duties

  • Sommeliers are trained and knowledgeable wine professionals, normally working in restaurants, who specialize in all aspects of wine service, as well as wine and food pairing. Sommeliers develop wine lists based on the chef's recipes and take care of the wine and liquor inventory and management in the restaurant. Sommeliers advise guests on wine selection and food pairing. They conduct marketing and promotion plans for wines and beverages, and sell wines to customers in order to improve restaurant profits. Moreover, they train waiters and relevant staff wine lists and food pairing.

Generic Competencies

Physical Abilities

Physical abilities

  • Physical strength
  • Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Technology Skills

Technology skills

  • Computer literacy
  • Application of technology

 

Importance:3 (Max:5) 

Skill is basically required

 

Cognitive Abilities

Cognitive abilities

  • Creativity
  • Visualisation
  • Logical thinking

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Comprehension And Expression

Comprehension and expression skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Oral / written expression

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Social Skills

Social skills

  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Persuasion

 

Importance:5 (Max:5) 

Skill is required all the time

 

Organisation And Execution Skills

Organisation and execution skills

  • Planning
  • Organising
  • Judgement
  • Decision making

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Problem Solving Skills

Problem solving skills

  • Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Management Skills

Management skills

  • Leadership
  • Management of finance / time / people / other resources

 

Importance:4 (Max:5) 

Skill is frequently required

 

Trade Specific Competencies

WSET (The Wine and Spirit Education Trust)

Sommeliers with holders of WSET (Entry level: WSET Level 1) would be an advantage.

Court of Master Sommeliers

Sommeliers generally attain the Level 1 "Introductory Sommelier Certificate" (IS) and Level 2 "Certified Sommelier Certificate" (CS) from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Knowledge on Wine and Spirit

Sommeliers should possess knowledge on wine laws in different countries, grape variety and basic characteristics, opening and serving wine technique and basic wine tasting technique. Sense of taste and smell: An extraordinary sense of smell is important for Sommeliers because they must pair wines based on floral, herbal and fruity notes with ingredients in menu items.

General Requirements

Academic qualification

  • Professional Diploma/ Diploma or equivalent

Professional qualification

  • registered with WSET Level 1 – 3 and/or Court of Master Sommeliers Certificates Level 1 & 2 would be an advantage

Experience

  • 1 to 3 years of relevant work experience

Career Path & Salary

Private Sector

Monthly Salary $14,000 - $15,000

Monthly Salary $16,000 - $18,000

Monthly Salary $23,000 - $25,000

Monthly Salary $23,000 - $28,000

Monthly Salary > $35,000

Related Education & Training

Work Environment

  • Sommeliers normally work in fine restaurants. They may work in late evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Tools

  • Bar code reader equipment - Barcode scanners
  • Linear imaging scanners; Long range charged coupled device CCD barcode scanners; Point of service scanners
  • Carbonated beverage dispenser - Draught foam control devices; Electronic beer line maintenance equipment; Refrigerated liquid recirculation systems; Soda dispensers
  • Cocktail shakers or accessories - 3-piece cocktail shakers; 4-piece cocktail shakers; Pour spouts; Spirit measures
  • Commercial use dishwashers - Glass washers; Upright glass washers
  • Commercial use mixers - Drink mixers
  • Sommelier knife

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