Wine Steward / Sommelier

What is a Wine Steward or Sommelier?

A Wine Steward or Sommelier is a wine professional who works in a fine-dining restaurant or in an upmarket hotel. 

They are trained and knowledgeable on all aspects of wine making as well as wine & food pairing.  They are much more informed than a wine waiter.

Their most important work is that of wine buying, wine storage, cellar rotation and expert advice and service to consumers. 

Wine Stewards/Sommeliers play a key role in restaurants and can seriously enhance an establishment’s reputation.

What does a Wine Steward or Sommelier do?

  • developing appropriate wine lists for the establishment
  • training other restaurant staff
  • taking delivery of wine and being responsible for its storage
  • working with the chef and the team to ‘pair’ wine with the food
  • collecting and researching: how food and wine and other alcohols harmonise with food
  • being sensitive to customers budget restraints
  • constantly researching new wines etc
  • attending wine tastings

Are you … ?

  • extremely passionate about wine?
  • looking to work in the hospitality industry?
  • a person with a good sense of taste and smell?
  • neat and tidy?
  • professional?
  • responsible?
  • a team player?

How do I become a Wine Steward or Sommelier?

  • CAPE WINE ACADEMY

Offers a 7-module course:  Cape Sommelier Course.  Successful candidates will receive both a certificate and an official badge Cape Sommelier

http://www.capewineacademy.co.za/capesommelier.htm 

Minimum requirements: 

3 years of practical experience in the hospitality industry

  • UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH

Offers a BScAgric in Viticulture and Oenology

http://www.maties.com/under-graduate-prospectus/agrisciences/food-and-wine-production-systems/bscagric-in-viticulture-and-oenology.html 

Minimum requirements:
Write the National Benchmark Tests AQL and MAT 
NSC an aggregate of at least 55% (excluding Life Orientation)
50-59% English or Afrikaans (Home Language or First Additional Language)
50-59% Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences
OR 40-49% Physical Sciences and 70-79% Agricultural Sciences

 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Viticulturist and Food & Beverage Manager

Is becoming a Wine Steward / Sommelier the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.