The right wine turns a good meal into a special experience. That is the job of the sommelier: advising guests, looking after the wine list and knowing the story behind every bottle. In fine dining and hotels the sommelier is a key figure, and well-trained sommeliers are in demand in Germany.
What does a sommelier do?
- Wine advice: recommending wines that suit the dishes and the guests’ taste
- Wine service: presenting, opening, decanting and pouring correctly
- Wine list: selecting, compiling and pricing
- Purchasing and cellar: contact with winemakers and merchants, storage and stocktaking
- Training: teaching the service team about wine and selling
- Wine pairing: matching wines to tasting menus
Which qualifications are wanted?
Many sommeliers first trained in service or the kitchen and then specialised. Recognised certificates – such as the German IHK sommelier qualification or international programmes like WSET – are a big plus. Just as important are a well-trained palate, enjoying conversation with guests and sales skills. German and English are usually needed for guest contact; Italian, French or Spanish help when dealing with winemakers and wine lists.
Where do sommeliers work?
- Fine-dining and Michelin-starred restaurants
- Hotels with several restaurants and banqueting
- Italian and Mediterranean restaurants with large wine lists
- Wine bars and wine shops
- Wine trade and wineries
German wine as an opportunity
Germany is an exciting wine country: Riesling from the Mosel and Rheingau, Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder) from Baden and the Ahr, Silvaner from Franconia. Sommeliers who know German wine regions can offer guests real discoveries and stand out when applying.
Working conditions
Sommeliers mainly work evenings and weekends. Pay depends strongly on the level of the venue and responsibility for purchasing. Tips, wine training and visits to winemakers are often part of the job, and some venues offer accommodation.
From waiter to sommelier
- Taste as much as you can and keep a tasting notebook.
- Ask whether you can help with the wine list at work.
- Attend wine courses and plan a certification.
- Become the wine person in your team.
Sommelier positions with AS-Gastro-Consult
AS-Gastro-Consult places sommeliers, chefs de rang and service staff with wine knowledge in restaurants and hotels throughout Germany. We find the venue that matches your profile and goals.
See our current job offers or message us on WhatsApp: +49 163 501 95 12.
