Sommelier Resume Example and Template

A strong sommelier resume demonstrates your wine knowledge, your ability to guide guests through wine selection, and your success growing wine sales. Highlight your certifications, your wine list construction, and your training of restaurant staff.

Fine dining managers hiring sommeliers want to see your formal education, your ability to sell premium bottles, and your influence on guest experience. Show your track record building wine revenue and your passion for education.

Also searched as

Wine Director

Isabella Romano: Sommelier

San Francisco, California, United States

Summary

Sommelier with 9 years in fine dining wine service and sales. Advanced wine knowledge across Old World and New World regions. Increased wine revenue by 34% through wine list development and server training. Managed wine inventory of 600+ selections. Educated 12 restaurant staff members on wine pairing and service techniques.

Work Experience

Sommelier, Elevate Restaurant

Feb 2022 – Present. 80-seat Michelin-starred fine dining

• Manage wine list of 600+ selections across all price points and regions; recommend pairings for 60-80 covers nightly.
• Increased wine sales by 34% through curated wine education for 8-person server team and targeted guest recommendations.
• Sourced and acquired 80 new selections annually; negotiated pricing with 12 wine distributors.
• Trained 8 restaurant staff members on wine service, pairing science, and sales techniques; all passed internal certification.

Wine Director, Meridian Restaurant

Sep 2019 – Jan 2022. 120-seat contemporary American

• Developed wine list of 200 selections focused on food-friendly, value-driven wines for diverse guest preferences.
• Achieved 28% increase in wine revenue; built by-the-glass program and wine flight offerings.
• Conducted monthly wine education sessions for 10-person service staff on regional wines and food pairings.
• Managed wine inventory, ordering, and cost control; maintained 35% wine margin while sourcing quality selections.

Sommelier, Heritage Restaurant

Jun 2017 – Aug 2019. 90-seat farm-to-table restaurant

• Provided wine service and pairing recommendations for 50-70 covers nightly.
• Built wine list of 150 selections emphasizing local and biodynamic producers aligned with restaurant's farm-to-table philosophy.
• Trained 6 servers on wine basics and pairing principles; grew wine sales by 18% year-over-year.
• Attended wine tastings and industry events; maintained current knowledge of emerging regions and producers.

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Certificate, Wine and Beverage Studies. Sep 2016 – May 2017

Skills

Wine Selection and Service, Food Pairing, Wine List Development, Tasting and Evaluation, Vendor Negotiation, Staff Training, Sales and Upselling, Wine Geography, Inventory Management, Cost Control, Customer Education

Languages

English, Italian

Certificates and Awards

• Certified Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers, 2021

Why this look works

Sommeliers blend sophistication with passion. Refined, wine-inspired layouts reflect the elegance and expertise the role embodies. Warm, inviting design signals both the artistry and the hospitality of wine service.

Resume tips for this job

• Lead with your wine list scope and certification. 'Certified Sommelier with 600+ wine selections managed' establishes credibility immediately.
• Quantify your revenue impact. '34% wine sales increase' or '28% increase in wine revenue' proves your business value to restaurant owners.
• Show your education impact. 'Trained 12 staff members' or 'conducted monthly education sessions' shows you raise the entire team's wine knowledge.
• Include your sourcing expertise. 'Sourced 80 new selections annually' and 'negotiated with 12 distributors' proves your value in building inventory and managing costs.

Common questions

Is Certified Sommelier certification required?

Not required, but strongly preferred for fine dining roles. Court of Master Sommeliers levels carry significant weight. At minimum, demonstrate through-training and serious wine education.

Should I list specific wines I recommend?

Mention wine regions and styles you specialize in: 'Old World Burgundy expert' or 'emerging producer advocate.' Avoid naming specific bottles unless they're signature discoveries you're known for.

How do I show growth if I've been a sommelier across different restaurants?

Show your expanding scope: larger wine lists, higher revenue contributions, more staff trained, deeper specializations. Each role should show your growing influence and wine program sophistication.

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The person, employers and numbers in this example are fictional, written to show what a strong resume for this job looks like.