At Triangle Grapevine, we’re committed to helping you feel confident and curious in the world of wine, whether you’re tasting, ordering, drinking, or learning.
You’ve probably heard the word sommelier and know it has something to do with wine. But what does it actually mean? And who can accurately and appropriately call themselves a sommelier?
What People Mean When They Say “Sommelier”
In everyday conversation, sommelier refers to a professionally trained wine service expert, someone with deep knowledge of grape varieties, regions, production methods, and food pairings. These specialists often work in upscale or fine-dining restaurants, where they curate wine lists, guide pairings, and enhance the overall dining experience through exceptional wine service.
A Word With History
The term sommelier comes from French. Historically, it referred to a court official responsible for transporting supplies. In Provence, saumalier meant a pack-animal driver, someone trusted with valuable cargo. Over centuries, the term evolved into its modern culinary meaning: the steward responsible for a restaurant’s wine program. A pretty impressive glow-up—from managing donkeys to managing wine lists!
The Formal Title: The Court of Master Sommeliers
While the term is commonly used, formal recognition as a sommelier typically comes from the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), founded in 1977. CMS offers four levels of certification:
- Introductory Sommelier Course & Exam
- Certified Sommelier Examination
- Advanced Sommelier Course & Exam
- Master Sommelier Diploma Examination
Every exam includes theory, and the top three levels add blind tasting and service, because nothing says “career commitment” like identifying a wine you can’t see and pouring it tableside without breaking a sweat.
The Certified Sommelier exam has an average pass rate of only 66%!
The Pinnacle: Master Sommelier
Becoming a Master Sommelier is one of the most difficult achievements in the beverage world. With only 269 people worldwide holding the title!
To even sit for the exam, candidates must:
- Have passed the Advanced Sommelier Exam
- Receive an invitation or recommendation
- Have at least 10 years of industry experience
The exam includes:
- A three-part oral theory exam
- A blind tasting of six wines before a panel
- A rigorous service exam
Typical pass rates hover between 3–8%, and only 14 people have ever passed on their first attempt. On average, just five candidates earn the title each year, making it statistically harder than getting into Harvard and running a marathon in the same weekend.
What a Sommelier Actually Does
In a restaurant setting, sommeliers take on a multi-layered role that includes:
- Wine selection
- Food and wine pairing
- Tableside wine service
- Cellar management
- Staff training and guest education
Their expertise ensures guests enjoy wine at its very best.
What About WSET?
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is another respected global organization offering wine, spirits, beer, and sake education, but is very different. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in London, WSET is known as one of the world’s leading providers of drinks education.
Unlike the Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET programs do not include service components, making them ideal for people in retail, distribution, or those who simply love wine.
WSET offers four levels in wine:
- Level 1 Award in Wine (which I completed in September!)
- Level 2 Award in Wine (coming up for me in February)
- Level 3 Award in Wine
- Level 4 Diploma in Wines
More than 10,000 people have earned the Level 4 Diploma. Even at the highest level, WSET graduates do not refer to themselves as sommeliers.
Other Organizations in Wine Education
Several other programs offer structured wine education, including:
- National Wine School (founded 2009, Los Angeles)
- North American Sommelier Association (founded 2006)
- International Wine Guild (founded 1998)
Each serves a different niche within the growing world of wine study and certification.
Whether you’re pursuing formal education or simply exploring wine for pleasure, understanding what a sommelier truly is, and isn’t, helps demystify an industry that can sometimes feel intimidating. At Triangle Grapevine, we’re here to make wine approachable, enjoyable, and endlessly fascinating.
Cheers to learning! 🍷