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Image of career: Sommelier

Sommelier

Overview

Sommeliers are wine specialists who work in fine dining restaurants, specialising in wine service and food pairing.

Description

  • Pair each dish with a complementary wine selection.
  • Recommend food and wine pairings based on guests’ tastes.
  • Ensure wines are served according to table service rules and etiquette.
  • Manage the wine cellar and ensure it is properly organised and stocked.
  • Select and purchase wines, including negotiating with suppliers to secure the best prices.

Entry requirements

  • No formal education is required, many places prefer applicants with Degrees in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management.
  • To be a sommelier, you will need to get wine certifications from institutions like International Sommelier Guild or Worldwide Sommelier Association.

Salary

$3,700 – 5,300

/mo

Salary ranges are estimated based on public information found on Singaporean job portals, including MyCareersFuture, MySkillsFuture. Updated as of 2026.

Trivia

Sommeliers need excellent memory. Apart from remembering different wine names, you must also know when and where each wine was made, and their unique traits.

What to expect

To get started, attend wine tastings and network there. You may also keep a lookout for job postings from fine dining or five-star establishments.

Soft
skills

Excellent Communication

Able to clearly explain wine characteristics and make recommendations.

Customer Service

Able to understand and anticipate customer needs.

Hospitality

Ability to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests.

Excellent Knowledge of Wines

Possess a comprehensive understanding of wines, winemaking processes, and tasting techniques.

Food and Wine Pairing

Skilled in elevating dining experiences with the perfect combination of food and beverages.

Wine Service Techniques

Trained to present, decant and serve wine at the highest standards of wine service etiquette.

Hard
skills

Frequently asked questions

The Court of Master Sommeliers is most widely recognised internationally. They offer four certification levels: introductory, certified, advanced, and master sommelier. You don't need all levels to work, but higher certifications may increase your salary.

A sommelier’s day is aligned with fine dining restaurants’ operating hours - so they typically work from noon to late at night. They may also work on days off to manage deliveries. They occasionally travel to different places or countries to sample and select wines.

As consumers become more eco-conscious, products with lower environmental impact have been getting more popular. This includes sustainably produced wines and alternative wine packaging.

Aspiring sommeliers can pursue certifications from internationally recognised institutions like Wine & Spirit Education Trust and Court of Master sommeliers. These will provide you with essential knowledge for Singapore's diverse wine industry.

They ask customers questions about what they’re eating, what they prefer, and if they’re celebrating any special occasion. They also educate customers about wine styles, grape varieties, and regional good, helping them make informed choices and discover new wines.