Sommelier Interview Questions and Answers
Use this list of Sommelier interview questions and answers to gain better insight into your candidates, and make better hiring decisions.
Sommelier overview
When interviewing a Sommelier, it's important to assess their knowledge of wines, their ability to pair wines with food, and their customer service skills. Look for passion, creativity, and a deep understanding of wine regions and varietals.
Also interesting in a job description for this job?
Check out the Sommelier job description template
Sample Interview Questions
🍷 What's your favorite wine region and why?
To gauge their personal passion and knowledge about different wine regions.
Sample answer
I absolutely love the Burgundy region in France because of its rich history and the complexity of its Pinot Noirs. Each bottle tells a unique story!
🍇 Can you describe the difference between a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Merlot?
To test their understanding of different grape varietals.
Sample answer
Cabernet Sauvignon is typically more robust with higher tannins and flavors of blackcurrant, while Merlot is softer, fruitier, and has a smoother finish.
🍽️ How would you pair wine with a spicy dish?
To assess their ability to make food and wine pairings.
Sample answer
For spicy dishes, I usually recommend a slightly sweet wine like a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer to balance the heat.
🧀 What's your go-to wine and cheese pairing?
To see their creativity and knowledge of classic pairings.
Sample answer
I love pairing a creamy Brie with a crisp Chardonnay. The buttery notes of the cheese complement the wine perfectly!
🍾 How do you handle a customer who is unhappy with their wine selection?
To evaluate their customer service skills.
Sample answer
I would first listen to their concerns, then offer to replace the wine with something more to their liking, ensuring they leave happy.
🌍 Can you name a lesser-known wine region that excites you?
To see if they stay updated with global wine trends.
Sample answer
I'm really excited about the wines coming out of the Swartland region in South Africa. They have some amazing, bold reds that are gaining recognition.
🍷 How do you stay updated with the latest wine trends and vintages?
To understand their commitment to continuous learning.
Sample answer
I regularly attend wine tastings, read industry publications, and follow influential sommeliers on social media to stay in the loop.
🍇 What's the most unusual wine you've ever tasted?
To gauge their adventurousness and breadth of experience.
Sample answer
I once tried an orange wine from Georgia. It had a unique, tannic structure and a flavor profile that was completely different from anything I'd tasted before.
🍽️ How would you introduce a wine novice to the world of wine?
To assess their ability to educate and engage customers.
Sample answer
I would start with approachable, easy-drinking wines and explain the basics of tasting. It's all about making the experience fun and not overwhelming.
🍾 Can you share a memorable experience you had with a particular wine?
To understand their personal connection and passion for wine.
Sample answer
I once had a 1982 Château Margaux at a special dinner. The complexity and depth of the wine were unforgettable, and it was a moment that solidified my love for Bordeaux wines.
Red Flags
Look out for these red flags when interviewing candidates for this role:
- Lack of enthusiasm or passion for wine.
- Inability to describe basic wine characteristics or regions.
- Poor customer service skills.
- Limited knowledge of food and wine pairings.
- Unwillingness to continue learning and staying updated with trends.
The era of AI-first hiring has arrived.
Introducing Mega HR, the AI-first hiring platform powered by Megan, the most advanced, human-quality AI recruiter.