Sommelier

Wouldn't it be better if the charm of wine was profoundly narrated and conveyed by an expert directly knowledgeable in this field? Today, many wine lovers might feel a bit apprehensive about choosing the right wine for an occasion. To truly enjoy wine and appreciate its nuances, wine enthusiasts need to study and acquire detailed knowledge. However, delving into self-study can be complicated and time-consuming. Fortunately, there is now a profession that fulfills this role: the Sommelier, a specialized wine expert ready to offer guidance.

The profession of Sommelier emerged because wine culture plays a very significant role in large restaurants. The production of each type of wine requires an extremely meticulous process to achieve quality and good taste. Therefore, having a Sommelier to recommend and pair wines with food for customers would undoubtedly make that meal much more perfect.

Sommeliers in History: A Crucial Role Among the Elite

In the past, the Sommelier profession was often associated with royalty and the aristocracy, as wine was a popular beverage among the ruling class. Thus, Sommeliers had the important duty of selecting quality wines suitable for meals for these individuals to savor. Consequently, the Sommelier profession was highly regarded among the upper class.

Qualities and Training of a Sommelier

Becoming a Sommelier is by no means easy. This profession is not merely about being a simple wine recommender or a wine server. Those in this profession must genuinely love and possess deep expertise in wine. They must know everything about wine, from grape varietals, origins, production processes, countries of origin, food pairings for different wine types, as well as every element that affects the wine's taste, such as serving methods, pouring techniques, optimal serving temperatures, knowledge of wine glasses. Most importantly, they must possess exceptional senses of smell and taste.

A Sommelier is a highly trained expert who has undergone extensive education and certification programs. What makes Sommeliers special is their ability to detect even the slightest differences in wine flavors. They are meticulously trained to identify the aroma, color, and taste of each wine they sample, using this information to serve their customers.

To become a Sommelier, one must pass international standardized examinations to receive professional certification. The main institutions that issue globally recognized certifications are the Court of Masters Sommeliers, International Sommelier Guild, Institute of Masters of Wine, and Wine and Spirits Education Trust. It is said that for the Advanced Sommelier exam, only 25% of candidates pass, and to reach the Master Sommelier level, the pass rate is only 5%.

The Core Duties of a Sommelier: Beyond Just Wine Recommendations

One of the primary duties of a Sommelier is to pair food menus with different types of wine to create the best possible experience for the customer. Most Sommeliers work in Fine Dining restaurants, which are luxurious establishments that typically serve multi-course meals. Therefore, a Sommelier's role is to assess what dishes are being served and recommend which wine pairs best without compromising the flavors.

In addition to considering the taste of the wine and food, a Sommelier must also take into account the occasion, mood, and personal preferences of the customer. They need to inquire about the customer's general preferences to recommend a wine that suits their taste, budget, and the occasion.

After serving and recommending wine to the customer, the Sommelier must evaluate customer satisfaction once the customer has finished their meal and drinks. This is to gather feedback on how the customer felt, whether they were impressed, and if the food paired well with the wine. Because, of course, when customers go out for a luxurious meal, they expect to leave feeling happy and that they received good value for their money.

However, the Sommelier profession involves even more subtle aspects, requiring a true passion for the job. They must always ensure customers are happy and impressed, right from the moment they step into the restaurant. A Sommelier should converse, greet, and create a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring customers don't feel uncomfortable asking about wine.

Currently, imported wines sold in Thailand are also beginning to involve Sommeliers in the selection process from various production sources, to ensure that every bottle of wine is full of stories and offers good quality for its price.