What do sommeliers get paid

The entire master sommelier exam comprises three sections that test different aspects of your wine and customer knowledge. First-time candidates must first take the theory exam to test their knowledge about wine, including geographic areas known for their wine, ways to grow grapes and how to make and store wine effectively. Once you pass the theory test, you can submit your application of intent for the practical and tasting sections of the master sommelier exam. In the practical section, you must demonstrate your ability to provide customers with excellent service and make successful recommendations.

The tasting section involves tasting multiple wines in a certain time frame and identifying their vintage and provenance based on your knowledge of various wineries and regions.

The CMS allows three years to pass all three sections of the test, so you can take each section multiple times to help improve your knowledge and give you more chances to become a master sommelier. Related: 15 Jobs in the Wine Industry. There are some skills that can help you succeed in your career as a master sommelier, like:. Passion: Passion is a vital skill for sommeliers because your passion for the job allows you to keep learning and provide enthusiastic service to customers.

If you're passionate about being a sommelier, you may learn your trade more easily and feel confident as you work your way up through the levels of this career. Dedication: Dedication is useful for becoming a master sommelier as you study for exams and potentially retake them multiple times after studying and improving your knowledge. Being dedicated to customer service and providing customers with a pleasant restaurant or winery experience can also help you perform better in this role.

People skills: Since master sommeliers often work with customers and employees, people skills can help you make deeper connections and create a welcoming experience. People skills are also useful for communicating with customers to ensure you understand their wine preferences and can meet make a wine pairing that exceeds their expectations. Patience: Having patience is important as a master sommelier because you may have to handle fast-paced or overwhelming situations in hospitality.

When you're patient, you can think through situations more easily and keep calm while serving customers and directing wine stewards or other sommeliers effectively. They don't need to know how much time it took me to get where I am, or the time, effort, and energy I spent working and studying.

That's irrelevant to them. And that wine knowledge pays off. It can be downright lucrative. You can even watch a sommelier documentary if you're so inclined.

A master sommelier salary is one of the highest in the hospitality business, while an advanced or certified sommelier salary is competitive, too. Each sommelier level tends to be higher than a bar manager salary. A level 1 sommelier is one who has passed the Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination. This certification is entry-level and held by newly-minted sommeliers and those with around 1—3 years of experience in the wine industry. This is the 2nd level of CMS certification and is typically held by sommeliers and wine professionals with around 3—7 years experience.

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