Sommelier

A sommelier is a waiter in a restaurant who specializes in wine. Their principle task is to suggest a wine which will accompany well a particular menu, or perhaps a particular course. Because of the perception of wine, especially amongst fine diners, as a central tenet of a meal, the position of a somelier is arguably as important as that of Chef. It could be argued that a system of commision, or a general attachment to a restaurant, may influence the suggestions of an in-house somelier - that is to say, they will always suggest the higher priced wine. This is true in some perhaps, but the dedicated and professional somelier will always respect the customers original parameters and will do their best to offer them the most suitable wine within both financial and personal restraints.