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If you’ve Googled “sommelier job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of articles already. But here’s the problem: most of them don’t actually help you attract a great sommelier—they just hand you a list of bullet points with zero personality.
Generic posts might tell you that a sommelier “selects wines and manages inventory.” But does that inspire a passionate, hospitality-driven wine professional to apply? Not really.
Here’s the truth: top sommeliers aren’t motivated by checklists. They want to know what kind of restaurant or venue they’ll be joining, how much autonomy they’ll have in curating the wine list, and what role they’ll play in creating memorable guest experiences. If your job post doesn’t capture that, the best candidates will scroll right past you and apply somewhere else.
The good news? Writing a compelling sommelier job description isn’t about being flashy—it’s about being intentional. That’s why we recommend first checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it explains why generic posts fail to attract top talent and what makes a job description truly work.
In this article, we’ll build on that framework and show you how to craft a sommelier job description that not only covers responsibilities and qualifications but also connects with candidates on a human level. By the end, you’ll have two ready-to-use templates (one for experienced sommeliers and one for entry-level, trainable candidates), plus insights on what makes a great job post work.
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What a Sommelier Actually Does - Their Roles
A sommelier isn’t just “the wine person.” They’re the guide who helps elevate a guest’s dining experience from good to unforgettable.
In simple terms, a sommelier is responsible for curating, managing, and serving wine (and often other beverages) in a restaurant, hotel, or hospitality setting. But the role goes far beyond stocking bottles or pouring glasses.
A great sommelier:
- Designs and maintains a thoughtful wine list that matches the menu and the restaurant’s personality.
- Educates staff and guests about wine in a way that feels approachable, not intimidating.
- Balances the art of storytelling with the science of pairing—making sure every sip complements the dish it’s served with.
- Manages vendor relationships, pricing, and inventory with the precision of an operations manager.
- Acts as both a host and an educator, building connections with guests through hospitality, warmth, and expertise.
In short, a sommelier is part curator, part educator, and part experience-maker. The right person in this role doesn’t just “serve wine”—they help shape the culture, reputation, and profitability of your establishment.
Two Great Sommelier Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
Version 1 — Job Description For Experienced Sommelier
Sommelier — Cedar & Stone, Seasonal Kitchen & Cellar (Chicago, IL)
Employment: Full-Time • On-Site
Compensation: $68,000–$85,000 base + service charge/tips + performance bonus
Schedule: Wed–Sun, late afternoons to close (approx. 2 PM–11 PM)
🎥 A quick word from our Wine Director
Meet Elena (2-min intro): Why our wine program matters and how you’ll shape it — [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are
Cedar & Stone is a wood-fired, seasonal kitchen in Chicago’s West Town with a 200-label cellar focused on cool-climate producers and minimal-intervention winemaking. Our tasting menu changes every six weeks, and the wine program is built around texture, acidity, and stories—pairings that enhance flame, smoke, and pickled brightness in the food. We’ve been a James Beard semifinalist (2024) and hold a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. We’re small, serious about hospitality, and obsessed with guest delight.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Curate and evolve a balanced, profitable list (Old World elegance, New World energy; rotating BTG).
- Lead nightly floor service: table-side guidance, pairings, decanting, large-format service.
- Design pairing flights for the tasting menu; collaborate closely with the chef team.
- Train FOH weekly: blind tasting drills, service standards, and guest-storytelling.
- Manage vendor relationships, pricing, allocations; run quarterly cost audits and inventory.
- Champion cellar health: binning, rotation, storage, loss control, POS accuracy.
- Host guest-facing events: winemaker dinners, verticals, and Sunday classes.
What We’re Looking For
- CMS Certified Sommelier (Level 2) or equivalent competency demonstrated on the floor.
- 3–5+ years in fine/casual-fine dining with strong pairing instincts.
- Confident table-side presence that’s warm, not intimidating.
- Proven list-building and beverage cost control experience.
- Bonus: sake/fortified knowledge; comfort with natural wine discourse.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision (employer contribution)
- 10 days PTO + 6 paid holidays + 2 wellness days
- Family meal + nightly tasting notes; staff dining discount
- Certification stipend (CMS/WSET) + paid tasting groups
- Quarterly education budget for books, classes, events
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Creative freedom: your palate shapes the list and pairings.
- Close chef partnership: seated at the R&D table for every new menu.
- Guest impact: intimate room where your guidance is felt every service.
- Growth: pathway to Beverage Director across sister concepts in development.
Our Hiring Process
We read every application and respond within 14 days. Shortlist → intro call → on-site practical (service simulation + blind tasting) → references. Everyone receives a decision.
How to Apply
We hire via Workscreen to keep things fair and skills-forward.
Apply here: [Workscreen link for Cedar & Stone] (short evaluation + scenario-based tasks).
Version 2 — Job Description For Entry Level /Train-to-Grow Sommelier
Junior Sommelier — Larkspur Wine Bar (Seattle, WA)
Employment: Full-Time • On-Site
Compensation: $22–$26/hr + pooled tips (OTE $55k–$65k)
Schedule: Tue–Sat, afternoons to close
🎥 A quick word from our Owner
Meet Jasmine (90-sec intro): Our approach to approachable wine & learning on the job — [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are
Larkspur is a neighborhood wine bar in Fremont with a rotating 40-label list and a small plates menu (think: smoked trout rillette, marinated olives, market tartines). We champion small producers, sustainable vineyards, and accessible education—no snobbery, just joy. We host weekly “Wine 101” nights and pop-up flights (orange wine, pet-nat, Alpine reds). If you’re curious, kind, and hungry to learn, you’ll fit right in.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support nightly wine service: greet, guide, pour, and make guests feel at home.
- Learn our list and producers; recommend flights and approachable pairings.
- Help with inventory, restocking, BTG changes, and POS accuracy.
- Co-run weekly “Wine 101” classes (you’ll start assisting and grow into leading).
- Maintain glassware standards, cellar organization, and bar cleanliness.
What We’re Looking For
- Hospitality DNA: warmth, patience, and genuine curiosity.
- Basic wine knowledge (or WSET 1/CMS Intro a plus)—we’ll train deeply.
- Comfort speaking to guests; eagerness to present and tell stories.
- Reliability and teamwork; thrives in a small, supportive crew.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical stipend + commuter benefits
- 7 days PTO + 4 flex days + birthday off
- Staff tastings every shift + monthly producer nights
- Education support: WSET 1–2 or CMS Intro fees covered after 90 days
- Team dining discount across partner cafés
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- Grow fast: structured path from Junior Sommelier → Sommelier within 9–12 months.
- Learn by doing: real tables, real guests, real flights—plus shadowing and mentorship.
- Safe space: questions encouraged; we coach, not gatekeep.
- Community vibe: cozy room, regulars who love trying new things.
Our Hiring Process
We reply within 10 business days. Shortlist → Zoom chat → paid trial shift (3 hours; no heavy lifting) → references. We provide feedback to all final-round candidates.
How to Apply
We use Workscreen so your skills—not just your résumé—shine.
Apply here: [Workscreen link for Larkspur] (short evaluation + service scenario).
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
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Breakdown: Why These Sommelier Job Posts Work
It’s one thing to read a polished job description. It’s another to understand why it attracts the right candidates. Let’s break down what makes these two sommelier job posts effective.
✅ 1. The Job Title Is Clear and Compelling
- Cedar & Stone: “Experienced Sommelier for Cedar & Stone, Seasonal Kitchen & Cellar (Chicago, IL)” isn’t just a role—it’s a role with context. Candidates know immediately: the position is senior-level, the company name, the style of dining, and the location.
- Larkspur: “Junior Sommelier — Larkspur Wine Bar (Seattle, WA)” signals an entry-level opportunity while still being specific about the company and location. No vague “Wine Professional Wanted” titles here.
✅ 2. The Video Element Adds a Personal Touch
Both posts include a short video from a hiring manager or owner. This creates human connection—candidates can see and hear the people they’d be working with. It builds trust and helps your brand stand out in a sea of faceless postings.
✅ 3. The Company Overview Shows Personality and Mission
- Cedar & Stone highlights its achievements (James Beard semifinalist, Wine Spectator Award) and its cellar philosophy (cool-climate, minimal-intervention). This attracts sommeliers who are excited by serious wine programs.
- Larkspur emphasizes warmth and accessibility, describing its mission of “no snobbery, just joy.” That tone will resonate with candidates who value approachable hospitality.
Instead of a bland “We are a restaurant located in…”—these sections show identity, purpose, and what makes the company unique.
✅ 4. Responsibilities Are Written With Impact
- They go beyond task lists: “Curate and evolve a balanced, profitable list” or “Help with inventory, restocking, BTG changes.”
- Each responsibility ties back to either guest impact (service, education, pairing) or business impact (profitability, cost control).
- Candidates can clearly picture their day-to-day while also seeing why their work matters.
✅ 5. Qualifications Feel Specific Yet Flexible
- Cedar & Stone sets the bar high with CMS Level 2 and fine dining experience, ensuring it appeals to ambitious candidates.
- Larkspur keeps requirements open, encouraging passion and curiosity over credentials, which broadens the pool to trainable talent.
Both avoid laundry lists of “must-haves” that discourage applicants.
✅ 6. Perks & Benefits Are Transparent
- Health, PTO, discounts, certification stipends—clearly spelled out.
- Candidates trust companies that lead with transparency, and it avoids wasted time later in the process.
✅ 7. “Why This Role Is a Great Fit” Section Makes the Pitch
- Cedar & Stone emphasizes creative freedom, chef collaboration, and guest impact—perfect for seasoned sommeliers looking for influence.
- Larkspur highlights growth opportunities, mentorship, and community vibe—exactly what an aspiring sommelier wants.
This section is the “why apply here?” answer—something most job posts completely miss.
✅ 8. The Hiring Process Is Respectful and Clear
- Timelines are given (10–14 days).
- Every applicant is promised closure, not ghosting.
- Practical assessments (blind tasting or trial shift) are explained upfront, which reduces anxiety and builds trust.
✅ 9. The Application Process Uses Workscreen
By using Workscreen, the post signals fairness and efficiency: candidates are evaluated based on skills and real scenarios, not just a résumé. This shows respect for applicants while helping the company filter for genuine talent.
👉 In short:
The difference between these posts and a generic sommelier job ad is connection, clarity, and culture. They don’t just say what the role is—they explain why it matters, why the company is different, and why the candidate should care.
Bad Sommelier Job Description Example (And Why It Fails)
Job Title: Sommelier
Company: Fine Dining Restaurant
Location: New York, NY
Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking to hire a sommelier to oversee our wine list and support service. The ideal candidate will have wine knowledge, manage inventory, and assist guests with wine selections.
Responsibilities
- Manage wine inventory.
- Recommend wines to guests.
- Train staff on wine basics.
- Work with suppliers.
Requirements
- Wine certification preferred.
- 2–3 years of restaurant experience.
- Ability to work nights and weekends.
Benefits
Competitive salary.
Health insurance may be provided.
How to Apply
Please send your résumé and cover letter to hr@finedining.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
- The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just “Sommelier.” It doesn’t tell you anything about the restaurant, its concept, or its identity. - Company Section Lacks Personality
“Fine Dining Restaurant” could be anywhere. There’s no sense of culture, vision, or what makes the business unique. - Responsibilities Are Bland and Vague
“Manage inventory” and “train staff” could apply to any restaurant in the world. There’s no detail about service style, pairing philosophy, or guest interaction. - Requirements Feel Minimal and Flat
“Wine certification preferred” and “2–3 years” says nothing about the qualities of the right candidate. There’s no mention of hospitality, communication, or cultural fit. - Benefits Are Non-Committal
“Competitive salary” and “may be provided” are red flags. Lack of transparency makes candidates distrustful and pushes top talent away. - Hiring Process Feels Cold
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” signals that applicants will likely be ignored. That’s a bad look for any hospitality business. - Tone Is Lifeless
This reads like a bureaucratic HR memo, not a hospitality-driven opportunity. There’s zero warmth, excitement, or storytelling.
👉 Bottom line:
This kind of job post might get you applicants, but it won’t get you the right ones. Top sommeliers—the kind who bring passion, expertise, and hospitality—will skip right past it.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Sommelier Job Post Stand Out
Most restaurants stop at listing responsibilities and requirements. But if you want to attract top sommeliers—the kind who bring both expertise and personality—you need to go a step further. Here are some extras you can add to your sommelier job post:
1. Add a Candidate Security & Privacy Notice
Candidates are often cautious about scams in the restaurant industry. Build trust by adding a simple line:
“We will never ask you for payment or personal financial details during the hiring process. Your application is treated with strict confidentiality.”
2. Mention Time Off and Flexibility
Hospitality roles can be demanding, so highlighting rest is a competitive advantage.
Example: “Enjoy 10 days PTO plus 2 wellness days per year—we believe recharged staff create the best guest experiences.”
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Sommeliers are lifelong learners. Showing that you’ll invest in them is powerful.
Example: “We cover certification fees (CMS, WSET) after 6 months and provide stipends for wine tastings, classes, and events.”
4. Showcase Guest-Facing Opportunities
Many sommeliers thrive on connection. Mention if they’ll host pairing dinners, wine classes, or curated events. This turns the role from “support” into a spotlight opportunity.
5. Include a Video from Leadership
Already baked into our templates, but it’s worth repeating. A 2-minute Loom from your chef or owner explaining the importance of the wine program makes the role real and personal.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
6. Share Team or Guest Testimonials
If possible, link to reviews or highlight staff experiences. Example:
“Our FOH team says weekly wine tastings are their favorite part of training—it keeps learning exciting and fun.”
7. Communicate Your Approach to Candidate Experience
Hospitality is about respect. Show that you extend this to applicants too.
Example: “We reply to every application and give feedback to all final-round candidates.”
👉 Adding even one or two of these extras makes your sommelier job description far more appealing than the generic posts out there.
Should You Use AI to Write a Sommelier Job Description?
With tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or even built-in ATS features, it’s tempting to just type:
“Write me a job post for a sommelier.”
And sure—you’ll get something back in seconds. But here’s the problem: if you rely on AI alone, your post will sound just like everyone else’s. Generic. Forgettable. Lifeless.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- It produces generic filler. You’ll get the same “manage inventory, recommend wines” copy that turns top sommeliers off.
- It attracts the wrong people. Generic posts bring in mass applicants—not passionate, hospitality-driven professionals.
- It weakens your brand. Your job post is the first impression candidates have of your restaurant. If it feels cookie-cutter, they’ll assume your workplace is too.
✅ The Right Way to Use AI
AI can be a great assistant—if you feed it the right ingredients. Instead of letting it invent bland text, provide the context only you know:
Here’s an example of a strong AI prompt for a sommelier job post:
“Help me write a job description for our restaurant, Cedar & Stone, a seasonal kitchen in Chicago with a 200-label cellar focused on cool-climate producers. We’re hiring an experienced sommelier to curate our list, guide pairings, and train staff. Our culture is collaborative, curious, and guest-obsessed. We want to attract candidates who are warm, precise, and passionate about storytelling. We offer $68,000–$85,000 salary, tips, certification stipends, and 10 days PTO. Our hiring process includes a blind tasting and service simulation.Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]”
This gives AI the raw material it needs to produce a draft that actually reflects your company’s tone, culture, and values.
💡 Pro Tip
Think of AI as your polisher, not your writer.
- Wrong way: “Write me a sommelier job post.”
- Right way: “Here’s who we are, what the role is, and who we’re looking for—make this clearer, warmer, and more engaging.”
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
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Need a Quick Copy-Paste Job Description?
We get it—sometimes you just need something fast. Maybe you’ve already read this guide and understand what makes a strong job post, but you also want a solid starting point you can tailor to your restaurant.
That’s what this is.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational / Culture-First Template
Job Title: Sommelier at [Restaurant Name] (Location)
💼 Full-Time | On-Site | $XX,000–$XX,000/year + tips/service charge
🕒 Schedule: [Insert Days/Hours]
🎥 A quick intro from our team: [Insert Loom/YouTube link]
Who We Are
We’re [Restaurant Name], a [brief description—e.g., Michelin-recognized farm-to-table restaurant, neighborhood wine bar, or award-winning fine dining concept]. Our philosophy is simple: great food deserves great wine, and every guest deserves an experience that feels personal, not pretentious.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Curating and managing our wine list (by the bottle and by the glass).
- Guiding guests through pairings with warmth and confidence.
- Training staff on wine knowledge and service techniques.
- Building relationships with vendors and managing inventory.
- Hosting events like pairing dinners or guest wine tastings.
What We’re Looking For
- Certified Sommelier (CMS/WSET) or equivalent hands-on knowledge.
- Strong service presence with a guest-first mindset.
- A mix of technical wine knowledge and approachable hospitality.
- Organization and leadership skills to manage inventory and costs.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive pay + service charge/tips
- PTO and dining discounts
- Education support (WSET, CMS, tastings)
- Growth opportunities within our group
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This isn’t just about pouring wine—it’s about shaping experiences. You’ll have creative freedom to influence our list, collaborate directly with chefs, and be a visible part of the guest journey.
Our Hiring Process
We review every application and respond within [timeframe]. Shortlisted candidates will complete [service simulation/tasting/etc.]. Everyone receives closure.
How to Apply
Apply via [Workscreen link] — our fair, skills-focused hiring platform.
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Quick & Straightforward)
Job Brief
We’re looking for a Sommelier to join our team at [Restaurant Name]. In this role, you’ll be responsible for building and maintaining our wine program, supporting service, and creating memorable guest experiences through thoughtful pairings.
Responsibilities
- Curate and update wine list to complement menu
- Recommend wines to guests and lead pairings
- Train FOH staff on wine knowledge
- Manage supplier relationships, pricing, and allocations
- Track inventory, cellar management, and beverage costs
Requirements
- CMS/WSET certification or equivalent
- Proven sommelier or hospitality experience (X years)
- Strong communication and service skills
- Ability to work evenings/weekends
Perks & Benefits
- Salary $XX,000–$XX,000 + tips/service charge
- Health benefits and PTO
- Dining discounts
- Support for certifications and professional development
Why Join Us
At [Restaurant Name], you won’t just manage a list—you’ll shape our guest experience. Your palate, ideas, and hospitality will directly influence how people experience our food and wine together.
How to Apply
Apply via [Workscreen link].
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step of Hiring
A strong job description is the first step in attracting great sommeliers. But once the applications
start coming in, the real challenge begins: how do you quickly spot the genuine talent without getting buried under résumés?
That’s where Workscreen.io comes in.
With Workscreen, you can:
✅ Quickly Identify Top Candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
✅ Assess Real Skills, Not Just Résumés
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
✅ Eliminate Low-Effort Applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
💡 The result? You get more time back, better hires, and a smoother process from start to finish.
If you’re ready to hire smarter, create your first job post with Workscreen.io today and let the platform handle the heavy lifting.
Sommelier Job Description - FAQs
Beyond formal wine knowledge, a great sommelier combines technical expertise with hospitality skills. Look for:
- Strong wine knowledge (regions, varietals, vintages, pairings).
- Exceptional communication—able to make wine approachable, not intimidating.
- Emotional intelligence and guest empathy (reading the table and adjusting service).
- Sales and upselling skills that feel natural.
- Attention to detail in cellar management and cost control.
- Leadership qualities to train and mentor staff.
In the U.S., the average sommelier salary ranges from $55,000 to $75,000 per year, though this varies by location, establishment type, and experience. Entry-level roles at wine bars may start closer to $40,000–$45,000, while senior or Master Sommeliers at Michelin-starred restaurants can earn $80,000–$120,000+ with bonuses, tips, and incentives.
No. While sommeliers are often associated with high-end restaurants, they also work in wine bars, boutique hotels, cruise lines, luxury resorts, wineries, and even retail. The role adapts to any setting where curated beverage service is valued.
Not always. Certifications (CMS, WSET, ISG) can boost credibility and open doors, but many successful sommeliers grow through hands-on experience, mentorship, and a proven palate. Employers increasingly value hospitality skills and guest connection just as much as credentials.
The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but generally:
- A sommelier is more specialized, with formal training and responsibility for pairing, cellar management, and guest education.
- A wine steward may have a narrower focus, typically handling service and sales but without the same depth of training or program oversight.
