Sommelier
Curate wine lists and guide guests through pairings.
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- Typical pay
- €26k–€60k
- Usual education
- Certification-based
- Outlook
- Niche but valued in fine dining and hotels.
A day in the life
Tasting and buying wine, training staff, recommending pairings at service, managing the cellar.
Ways in
- WSET certification
- Sommelier school
- Floor experience
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Spain
Bachillerato de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales
France
Bac professionnel
Poland
Technikum
Sweden
Yrkesprogram
Austria
HLW – Business and services college
Belgium
BSO – Vocational secondary
Skills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
WSET Wine Certification
Structured wine knowledge and tasting qualification used across the trade.
Level 2 and 3 are the industry standard.
Helpful school subjects: Tasting, Regions, Service
Places that hire for this
Accor
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
Booking.com
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
eDreams ODIGEO
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
Iberia
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
Grupo José Avillez
Kitchen stages and commis roles in Michelin-level brigades.
Lufthansa Group
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
Marriott International
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
Meliá Hotels International
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
MSC Cruises
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
NH Hotel Group
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.