A professional wine expert is referred to as a sommelier. In dining venues, lodging facilities, and other hospitality-related businesses, they are in charge of wine selection, storage, and service. Sommeliers have become more prevalent in the US over time. However, it is challenging to estimate the precise number of sommeliers in the US because there is no recognized regulatory agency that oversees the industry.
There are presently 269 Master Sommeliers in the globe, with 164 of them located in the US, according to the Court of Master Sommeliers, one of the most esteemed organizations for sommeliers in the world. This figure, however, only includes individuals who have succeeded in passing the difficult Master Sommelier exam. There are numerous other sommeliers in the US who are not yet certified to this level.
Another prestigious wine qualification is the Master of Wine, which requires 3 to 6 years on average of hard study and practice. Only a small number of candidates pass the Master of Wine test each year, making it one of the toughest exams in the world. As a result, it is regarded as one of the most difficult wine certifications to obtain.
It is common to include the sommelier’s service charge in the overall tip amount when tipping them. However, it is fair to tip a sommelier separately if they went above and beyond to deliver great service.
Although sommeliers are traditionally connected with wine, there is an increasing need for those who specialize in coffee. These experts, who focus on choosing and serving premium coffee, are rising in popularity in the hospitality sector.
Sommeliers can pursue jobs in wine import and distribution, wine education, or as advisors to private clients in addition to working in restaurants and hotels. As the wine and hospitality industries develop, there will likely be a further increase in need for sommeliers.
In conclusion, despite the fact that it is challenging to estimate the precise number of sommeliers working in the US, demand for their services is rising. Sommeliers should receive tips for providing great service because becoming a Master of Wine requires years of study and training. There is a rising need for coffee sommeliers, therefore the sommelier’s job is not just confined to wine. Sommeliers can also work in a variety of wine-related and hospitality-related fields.
A skilled and experienced professional with expertise in all facets of wine service, including wine and food pairing, wine storage, wine list compilation, and wine education for patrons, is referred to as a wine waiter or sommelier. In a restaurant or hotel, they are in charge of managing the establishment’s wine cellar and inventory, as well as making wine recommendations and serving them to clients.