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Somm Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Smarter than a Somm; Sideways, Wine & Cheese Pairing/WalkAbout, Wine & Games, Wine Trivial Pursuit * Must stay up to date on all current wines and experiences as they change District Winery provides ...

Head Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $97K/yr

Somm Certification Reimbursements * WMATA SmartBenefits program * Most major holidays off * Access to our Vision benefit program * Unlimited high fives! Qualifications and skills: Our ideal candidate ...

Chef de Cuisine

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Somm Certification Reimbursements * WMATA SmartBenefits program * Most major holidays off * Access to our Vision benefit program * Unlimited high fives! Qualifications and skills: The Chef De Cuisine ...

Somm information

What is a somm?

Sommeliers, often referred to as 'somm,' are trained wine professionals who specialize in all aspects of wine service, including wine and food pairing, storage, and presentation. They typically work in fine dining restaurants and help guests select wines that best complement their meals. Sommeliers are knowledgeable about various wine regions, grape varieties, and vintages, and often manage the restaurant's wine cellar. Their expertise enhances the dining experience and ensures that wine service is executed at the highest standard.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a somm?

To thrive as a Sommelier, you need in-depth wine knowledge, excellent palate, and formal certification such as the Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET. Familiarity with wine inventory management systems, point-of-sale software, and beverage costing tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, customer service, and the ability to educate and influence guests help a Sommelier stand out. These skills are crucial for curating memorable dining experiences, maximizing wine sales, and maintaining a competitive edge in hospitality.

How does a somm collaborate with chefs and front-of-house staff to enhance the guest experience?

As a somm, close collaboration with chefs and front-of-house teams is essential to create memorable dining experiences. You will regularly taste new dishes with the chef to understand flavor profiles, enabling you to design thoughtful wine pairings. Additionally, you’ll educate servers about current wine selections so they can confidently answer guest questions and upsell pairings. Effective communication and teamwork ensure that wine service complements the menu and elevates the overall atmosphere for guests.

What is the difference between Somm vs Barista?

AspectSommBarista
Required CertificationsSommelier certification, wine knowledgeNone required, coffee training often provided
Work EnvironmentUpscale restaurants, wine barsCoffee shops, cafes
Industry UsageHospitality, fine diningHospitality, casual dining
Job FocusWine selection, pairing, educationCoffee brewing, customer service

The main difference between a Somm and a Barista lies in their expertise and work environment. Sommeliers specialize in wine, often holding certifications and working in upscale dining settings, focusing on wine selection and pairing. Baristas primarily prepare coffee in cafes, with less formal certification, emphasizing coffee brewing and customer service. Both roles are vital in the hospitality industry but serve different customer experiences and skill sets.

Do sommeliers make a lot of money?

Sommeliers can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Entry-level sommeliers typically earn around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, while experienced professionals at high-end restaurants or hotels can make $70,000 or more, often supplemented by tips. Certifications like the Court of Master Sommeliers can also influence earning potential.

What are popular job titles related to Somm jobs in Washington?

For Somm jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Somm jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Somm jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Somm jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Somm job openings:

Infographic showing various Somm job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Wine Educator

First Batch

Washington, DC • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Place wine orders using POS system

  • Conduct winery tours and curated wine tastings

  • Assist guests with retail wine purchases and address guest concerns


Job description

Wine Educator - District Winery
District Winery is a people-first organization. We are a boutique urban winery that prides ourselves in providing high touch hospitality experiences both for our colleagues and our guests. We believe in seasonality, relevancy, authenticity, and soulful hospitality. We believe in the beauty of expertly crafted wines and how they pair with delicious food. We are searching for team members who are committed to working as hospitality professionals. People who deeply care about creating a friendly, warm experience for our guests. People who live and breathe passion for food and wine. People that love to learn, share, and tell others about their stories and adventures. If you have the same passion for people, good food, and great wine, then we want you to join our team!
Position Summary
Wine Educators are responsible for positive guest interactions while serving guests in a professional, friendly, efficient manner and play an integral role in ensuring our customers have exceptional experiences. At all times Wine Educators are expected to be attentive to guests' needs, making them feel welcome, comfortable, important and relaxed. Wine Educators embrace their role. They know their demeanor, attitude and actions play a large part in creating a pleasant atmosphere and guest experience.
Wine Educators work in close collaboration with colleagues and must adhere to established health and safety standards. They also maintain the cleanliness, presentation and ambiance of the Winery which is an integral part of the guests' experience.
Core Responsibilities:
  • Place wine orders using POS system
  • Pour wines for tasting
  • Assist guests with retail (to-go) wine purchases
  • Serve the needs of multiple guests at the same time
  • Control flow of tour and monitor guests' alcohol consumption
  • Conduct winery tours and curated wine tastings
  • Label wine bottles
  • Abide by sanitation, health and company guidelines concerning safety, cleanliness, and alcoholic beverages
  • Address guest concerns promptly, politely and positively
  • Attend meetings and trainings as requested
  • Assist with training of new staff
  • Adhere to grooming, conduct, and uniform standards
  • Maintain a clean work by removing trash, cleaning tasting tables and water station
  • Execute opening and closing procedures as directed
  • Other duties as required

Requirements:
  • Have an expert understanding of District Winery wines, history, and operations
  • Must be comfortable and have a firm grasp of all wine experiences offered to the public and as event enhancements including, but not limited to: Tours & Tastings; Smarter than a Somm; Sideways, Wine & Cheese Pairing/WalkAbout, Wine & Games, Wine Trivial Pursuit
  • Must stay up to date on all current wines and experiences as they change

District Winery provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.