What does it take to be a sommelier?

Beyond an outstanding knowledge of wine, an ability to curate show-stopping wine lists and an instinct for delectable pairings, the role of the sommelier is to inspire. It takes grit and dedication to gain the qualifications needed to be a professional sommelier, as well as a sharp nose and an extraordinarily keen palate. The Red Carnation Hotel Collection is lucky enough to have a team of award-winning, highly personable sommeliers working front of house and behind the scenes at our spectacular fine dining restaurants around the world. Here, we introduce some of our exceptionally talented connoisseurs and ask them what it takes to succeed as a sommelier in today’s luxury travel sphere.

More than ordering the right bottle

Savouring beautiful wine is a holiday highlight for many. Kick back with a lazy al fresco lunch on the beach accompanied by a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, or cap a busy day of sightseeing with a sumptuous meal and a rich bottle of Shiraz. Wine, and, more specifically, carefully chosen wine, is not merely a superfluous afterthought. It commands centre stage at the table and greatly enhances the overall dining experience. Increasingly, luxury travellers are favouring individual experiences over generic ones, where the individual boutique is preferred to the big brand, the bespoke tour to the one-size-fits-all package, the Michelin-starred tasting menu to the à la carte. Contemporary hospitality providers are challenged to meet this demand with impeccable service, and this is where the knowledgeable sommelier steps in.

'Most luxury travellers really relish a memorable wine experience. When informing guests about wine, there is always so much to discuss. Every wine has a story and sharing that with travellers is an honour. Apt recommendations about food and wine pairings are often the highlight of guests’ stays,' states Gregory Mutambe, Sommelier at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. 'I am responsible for creating an exquisite wine list, as well as overseeing inventory, stock control, and maturation. I focus on everything wine and beverage-related at the hotel. Training other members of staff is very much a part of this.'

Topping up the glass: building experience and getting certified

Hand in hand with the heightened trend for luxury dining experiences in the burgeoning desire to learn more about wine. A new-wave of aspiring oenophiles have risen to the fore in recent years, fuelled by advances in technology and easily accessible information on wine. Consequently, the tastings and wine pairing experiences offered at several Red Carnation Hotels are growing in popularity. Ashford Castle, our sumptuous country pile in Ireland, hosts private wine tasting experiences and special wine dinners in the exclusive Castle Wine Cellars, which were recently discovered beneath the property and renovated to immaculate specifications. Elsewhere, one of Guernsey’s most elegant venues, The Crown Club at The Old Government House Hotel & Spa offers a refined spectrum of wine tastings and drinks experiences. The best way to hone an interest in wine is to be adventurous and try as many varieties as possible. Sample different vintages and grapes that might surprise and delight you in the company of an expert guide.

For those looking to become a certified sommelier, mastering the profession requires extensive study and commitment. There are four tests which need to be undertaken to earn the full qualification, with the final—and most challenging—examination lending those who pass it the coveted title of Master Sommelier. The tests are available through the Court of Master Sommeliers in America and with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in the UK. But, as Red Carnation Hotels’ seasoned sommeliers note, it takes many years of dedicated work in hospitality to build intuitive customer service skills, as well as a true passion for wine, to really flourish.

Born in Zimbabwe, Gregory Mutambe believes it was pure serendipity that led him to be a sommelier. 'Wine, wine lifestyle and a career in wine found me. I worked as a cellar hand at a winery in Zimbabwe—little did I know that this would turn into an infinite study path. Now, among my many qualifications to date, I have completed a Wine Judging Course at University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business and Stellenbosch University’s Garagiste Winemaking Course.'

Meet our expert sommeliers when staying at Red Carnation Hotels’ sumptuous hotels around the world.