
Most people that have been to an elegant restaurant have most likely experienced someone that has recommended and served a bottle of amazing wine that pairs very well with the meal. This experience surely elevates the mood and ambiance of the table. This person that recommends the bottle of wine is a sommelier. A sommelier is almost like a chef for wine, especially for restaurants that take wine as seriously as their food. Being a sommelier is a job that is far underrated because they are responsible for memorizing wines, grapes, and everything there is to know about wine. The job is constantly innovating because there are more and more wines that are being produced every day, and consistently having to adapt to the wine. It is said that sommeliers drink lots of liquids such as coffee to stay awake, water to stay hydrated, and wine to stay educated.
In the mornings before any restaurant doors are unlocked, sommeliers check inventory and organize the wine cellar for the coming night. The sommelier needs to keep wine at optimal conditions depending on what wine it is and whether it could be chilled or kept in a certain place. Now that the wine is in the correct place and ready, the sommelier does the wine tasting session for the day to perfectly craft a wine menu that both stands out while not overpowering the food that the customers are eating. A sommelier needs a very refined palate to test flavor profiles while also considering what food pairs best with what wine. The sommelier will discuss the cuisine chosen for the menu with the head chef in order to make the wine menu as best as it can be. This job requires extensive knowledge in grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and regions of winemaking. All of these factors haven’t even considered the season or the supply of certain types of wines. Now the sommelier will cultivate an amazing wine list that considers both artistry and strategy for the wine pairings.
Now a wine list has been created that shows diversity and innovation that compliments the chef without overpowering. Sommeliers are the masters of the grapes and their processes of artistry that makes serving drinks such an amazing experience for all. Learning how to please everyone at the table and trying to recommend whatever wine that suits their taste buds. Being a social butterfly can be an incredible tool when serving tables because you are able to talk and understand what they like and dislike when it comes to certain regions, grape variety, and more. Being a great sommelier is based on how adaptive you can be in order to provide a personalized service to patrons.