Glossary

Sommelier

/sahm-uh-LYAY/

Wine professional specializing in service and selection.

Business

Full Definition

A sommelier is a trained wine professional responsible for wine programs at restaurants, managing purchasing, storage, list curation, and service. Certification programs (Court of Master Sommeliers, ASI) provide credentials. Top sommeliers have encyclopedic knowledge and refined blind tasting skills. The role has expanded to other beverages.

Related Terms

wine servicepairingcertification

See Also

master of wineeducation
SoleraBack to GlossarySophisticated

Reference

More terms starting with S

Saignee

Bleeding off juice from red wine tanks to make rose.

Sangiovese

Italy's most planted red grape, the base of Chianti.

Savory

Non-fruit flavors like herbs, earth, and umami.

Screwcap

Metal closure alternative to cork.

Secondary Aromas

Aromas from fermentation and winemaking.

Sediment

Solid particles that settle in wine over time.