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Master Sommelier Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This position would be particularly well suited to a certified sommelier with interest in the upper-division of the Court of Master Sommelier and as a career beverage professional. Harbor House ...

Sommelier

Elk, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

This position would be particularly well suited to a certified sommelier with interest in the upper-division of the Court of Master Sommelier and as a career beverage professional. Harbor House ...

This position would be particularly well suited to a certified sommelier with interest in the upper-division of the Court of Master Sommelier and a as a career beverage professional. Bacchus ...

This position would be particularly well suited to a certified sommelier with interest in the upper-division of the Court of Master Sommelier and a as a career beverage professional. Bacchus ...

New

Certified Sommelier (Court of Master Sommeliers) or equivalent preferred. * Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, teach, and collaborate with diverse teams. * Exceptional guest ...

SOMMELIER -- LITTLE MOUNTAIN | MONTECITO, CA Little Mountain is a wood-fired kitchen rooted in ... Wine certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET, or equivalent preferred but not ...

We are seeking a sommelier/server, someone who doesn't just talk wine, but makes people feel warm ... Get to work with Master Sommeliers * Exam prep help * Generous employee discount * Access to weekly ...

Sommelier

Montecito, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

SOMMELIER -- LITTLE MOUNTAIN | MONTECITO, CA Little Mountain is a wood-fired kitchen rooted in ... Wine certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET, or equivalent preferred but not ...

... Court of Master Certified Sommelier or higher). 4. Must be at least 21 years of age. 5. Must possess or obtain a Responsible Beverage Service State Certification. 6. Must possess or obtain a ...

We are seeking a sommelier/server, someone who doesn't just talk wine, but makes people feel warm ... Get to work with Master Sommeliers * Exam prep help * Generous employee discount * Access to weekly ...

... Court of Master Certified Sommelier or higher). 4. Must be at least 21 years of age. 5. Must possess or obtain a Responsible Beverage Service State Certification. 6. Must possess or obtain a ...

... of Master Sommeliers and/or WSET. This position would be particularly well suited to a sommelier ... with interest in more hands-on role in overseeing a beverage program. Bacchus Management Group ...

If the Head Sommelier is not working, the Sommeliers must be manage the day to day needs of the ... Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET, or similar certification programs are encouraged, but not ...

Sommelier

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

If the Head Sommelier is not working, the Sommeliers must be manage the day to day needs of the ... Court of Master Sommeliers, WSET, or similar certification programs are encouraged, but not ...

... of Master Sommeliers and/or WSET. This position would be particularly well suited to a sommelier ... with interest in more hands-on role in overseeing a beverage program. Bacchus Management Group ...

For the Sommelier position, we are seeking individuals with experience in fast-paced, detail ... Candidates should possess, at minimum, introductory-level certification through the Court of Master ...

For the Sommelier position, we are seeking individuals with experience in fast-paced, detail ... Candidates should possess, at minimum, introductory-level certification through the Court of Master ...

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Master Sommelier information

See California salary details

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How much do master sommelier jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for master sommelier in California is $20.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Master Sommelier?

A Master Sommelier is a highly trained and certified wine expert who has passed the rigorous examinations administered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. This title represents one of the highest levels of achievement in the wine and beverage industry. Master Sommeliers possess extensive knowledge of wines, spirits, beer, and food pairings, and they are skilled in wine service, blind tasting, and hospitality. They often work in fine dining establishments, consult for restaurants or wine programs, and educate others about wine.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Master Sommelier?

To thrive as a Master Sommelier, you need advanced wine knowledge, exceptional tasting abilities, and formal certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and wine preservation technology is typical in this role. Outstanding communication, hospitality, and leadership skills help set top sommeliers apart in guest interactions and team management. These competencies are crucial for delivering exceptional wine experiences, driving sales, and maintaining the highest service standards in hospitality environments.

What are common challenges faced by Master Sommeliers when curating a wine list for a high-end restaurant?

Master Sommeliers often face the challenge of balancing a diverse, innovative wine selection with the restaurant’s cuisine, customer preferences, and budget constraints. They must regularly update the list to reflect seasonal changes, availability, and emerging wine trends, all while negotiating with suppliers for hard-to-find vintages. Additionally, they collaborate closely with chefs to ensure wine pairings enhance the dining experience and may train staff to maintain high service standards. This multifaceted role requires a blend of deep wine knowledge, strong communication skills, and business acumen.

How hard is it to become a Master Sommelier?

Becoming a Master Sommelier is highly challenging, requiring passing a rigorous exam that covers wine knowledge, service skills, and blind tasting. Candidates often spend years studying, gaining extensive experience in the wine industry, and preparing for multiple exam attempts before achieving certification.

What can a Master Sommelier do?

A Master Sommelier is a highly trained wine expert who can recommend, taste, and evaluate wines, often working in fine dining restaurants, wine shops, or wineries. They may also design wine lists, conduct staff training, and assist customers with wine selections, utilizing their extensive knowledge and certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers.

What are popular job titles related to Master Sommelier jobs in California?

For Master Sommelier jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Master Sommelier jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Master Sommelier jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Master Sommelier job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,880 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Harbor House Inn, is hiring a full-time Sommelier in Elk, California.

Harbor House provide an ideal environment for a sommelier looking to take their career to the next level:

  • World-class wine program with over 1600 selections with deep selections in Burgundy,
  • Champagne, Italy, Germany and California.
  • A 2 Michelin Michelin Star Restaurant
  • 11 room inn perched on a cliff looking over the pacific

Ideal candidates would have serving experience in fine-dining, management experience and be in pursuit of additional certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers. This position would be particularly well suited to a certified sommelier with interest in the upper-division of the Court of Master Sommelier and as a career beverage professional.

Harbor House provides an ideal environment for service professionals interested in advancing their careers and working with a passionate hospitality team.

If you have interest in joining our wine team and have any further questions, please respond with a resume and/or cover letter. Qualified candidates will be contacted immediately for an interview. You must be available to work weekends and have a passion for hospitality.

 
Visit the link to view our wine list below. 
https://www.theharborhouseinn.com/wine-cellar