page_title: Sommelier
section_title: Education and certification
hierarchical_section_title: Sommelier / Education and certification
caption_attribution_description: English: German sommelier and author Natalie Lumpp at the occasion of a wine tasting in Tecklenburg, Kreis Steinfurt, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Deutsch: Die deutsche Sommelière und Fachautorin Natalie Lumpp während einer Weinprobe anlässlich des 25. Weinfestes in Tecklenburg, Kreis Steinfurt, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Deutschland.
context_page_description: A sommelier, or wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food pairing. The role in fine dining today is much more specialized and informed than that of a wine waiter. Sommeliers Australia states that the role is strategically on par with that of the chef de cuisine.
context_section_description: Though 'sommelier' is a job title potentially anyone may claim, becoming a professional certified sommelier often requires some combination of experience, training, formal education (a bachelor's degree is not required, but individuals may do a two-year associate degree), classes and examinations.  It is possible to become a sommelier by starting at the entry level in the hospitality or wine industry and working up, though many choose to become educated and professionally certified by one (or more) of the many certifying bodies.  Various certifications are offered by a wide range of educators. A very basic education in wine may be attained over the course of months at a cost in the hundreds of dollars, but advanced professional certification typically requires years of study, practice and experience costing thousands of dollars. It has been noted that a thorough education in wine is still less expensive than typical graduate school costs in the US.
caption: Natalie Lumpp, noted German sommelier, who came up through the hotel industry.
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