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Sommelier Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Sommelier

Elk, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

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 ...

Café Vivant in downtown Menlo Park, is hiring for a full-time Sommelier. Our wine list is composed of over 3,000 wines, focusing on deep vintage collections of Burgundy, other classic French regions ...

SOMMELIER -- LITTLE MOUNTAIN | MONTECITO, CA Little Mountain is a wood-fired kitchen rooted in Montecito's coastal culture, added to the California Michelin Guide within our first six months of ...

Sommelier

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Café Vivant in downtown Menlo Park, is hiring for a full-time Sommelier. Our wine list is composed of over 3,000 wines, focusing on deep vintage collections of Burgundy, other classic French regions ...

We seek a Sommelier to join our team. JOB OBJECTIVE: As a member of the Post Ranch Inn and Sierra Mar Restaurant, the Sommelier will ensure a world-class guest experience by interacting with guests ...

Sommelier

Yountville, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Sommelier Yountville, CA Be part of the beginning! Join the team of the newest restaurant in Yountville, Clementine! ???? JOB SUMMARY: The Sommelier is responsible for developing and managing a ...

The Sommelier is a key member of the Food & Beverage team responsible for curating, managing, and enhancing the wine program across all dining and bar outlets within the casino resort. This position ...

The Sommelier is a key member of the Food & Beverage team responsible for curating, managing, andenhancing the wine program across all dining and bar outlets within the casino resort. This position ...

If the Head Sommelier is not working, the Sommeliers must be manage the day to day needs of the wine program (POS management, stocking, replenishing, updating staff, etc). Sommeliers are expected to ...

Sommelier

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.67/hr

We are seeking a sommelier/server, someone who doesn't just talk wine, but makes people feel warm and welcome, runs food, busses tables and works hard. Ungrafted is a great place to learn the steps ...

We are seeking a sommelier/server, someone who doesn't just talk wine, but makes people feel warm and welcome, runs food, busses tables and works hard. Ungrafted is a great place to learn the steps ...

Sommelier

Montecito, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22/hr

SOMMELIER -- LITTLE MOUNTAIN | MONTECITO, CA Little Mountain is a wood-fired kitchen rooted in Montecito's coastal culture, added to the California Michelin Guide within our first six months of ...

We seek a Sommelier to join our team. JOB OBJECTIVE: As a member of the Post Ranch Inn and Sierra Mar Restaurant, the Sommelier will ensure a world-class guest experience by interacting with guests ...

Sommelier

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$19.61 - $35/hr

Sommelier Share the Wine. Shape the Experience. Create Connection. Exceptional opportunity to work for Lucania, a new and unique piazza-inspired restaurant opening at the Ferry Building in Fall 2026.

If the Head Sommelier is not working, the Sommeliers must be manage the day to day needs of the wine program (POS management, stocking, replenishing, updating staff, etc). Sommeliers are expected to ...

We're looking to add a full-time sommelier to help oversee beverage operations, with a very large wine program consisting of roughly 4,000 selections. The start date would be mid July, with an ...

Sommelier

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$92K - $102K/yr

We're looking to add a full-time sommelier to help oversee beverage operations, with a very large wine program consisting of roughly 4,000 selections. The start date would be mid July, with an ...

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Sommelier

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$78K - $85K/yr

Your Role The Sommelier at TENSHOU Collection is the architect of the beverage experience across the entire concept portfolio. You are not managing a wine list -- you are curating an emotional arc ...

For the Sommelier position, we are seeking individuals with experience in fast-paced, detail-oriented restaurants that offer a tasting menu and a curated beverage pairing. Candidates should possess ...

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Sommelier information

See California salary details

$7

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How much do sommelier jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 sommelier?

A sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, typically working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as food and wine pairing. Their responsibilities include curating wine lists, recommending wines to guests, and ensuring the proper storage and serving of wine. Sommeliers often have extensive training and certifications, giving them expertise in wine regions, grape varieties, tasting, and pairing wines with different cuisines.

What is a sommelier?

A sommelier operates the beverage program at a restaurant. As a sommelier, you focus on wine, but depending on the restaurant’s needs, you may also develop knowledge of other beverages such as spirits and liqueurs. Your job duties include interacting with guests during tastings and suggesting wine pairings in the restaurant. You also set the wine list, procure unique wines, work with the chef to create wine pairings, and train staff to recommend vintages to guests based on their tastes.

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

To thrive as a Sommelier, you need in-depth wine knowledge, sensory evaluation skills, and formal certification such as those from the Court of Master Sommeliers or WSET. Familiarity with wine inventory systems, point-of-sale software, and cellar management tools is common. Exceptional communication, customer service, and the ability to educate and engage guests set top sommeliers apart. These skills are vital for delivering memorable dining experiences and driving beverage sales in hospitality settings.

What are some typical challenges sommeliers face when curating a wine list for a restaurant?

Sommeliers often encounter challenges balancing the preferences of the restaurant's clientele, the style of cuisine, and budget constraints when creating a wine list. They must ensure a diverse selection that complements menu items, appeals to a range of tastes, and meets pricing expectations. Additionally, sommeliers need to maintain relationships with distributors, stay updated on trends, and manage inventory to avoid overstocking or running out of key bottles. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills to collaborate effectively with kitchen staff and management.

What is the difference between Sommelier vs Wine Steward?

AspectSommelierWine Steward
CredentialsWine certifications (e.g., WSET, Court of Master Sommeliers)Often no formal certification, but knowledge of wines preferred
Work EnvironmentUpscale restaurants, hotels, wine barsRestaurants, catering, hospitality settings
Industry UsageCommonly used in fine dining and luxury venuesMore casual settings, but also in fine dining
Job FocusWine selection, pairing, service, and educationAssisting with wine service and stock management

While both roles involve wine knowledge and service, a Sommelier typically has formal certifications and works in upscale environments focusing on wine pairing and education. A Wine Steward may have less formal training and work in a variety of restaurant settings, assisting with wine service and inventory management.

Are sommeliers in demand?

Sommeliers are in demand in high-end restaurants, hotels, and wine retail establishments, especially those with extensive wine programs. The role requires strong knowledge of wines, certifications such as WSET, and excellent customer service skills, which can increase employment opportunities in the hospitality industry.

How much do certified sommeliers make?

Certified sommeliers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Those working in high-end restaurants or with advanced certifications can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by tips and bonuses.

How much do sommeliers earn?

Sommeliers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Higher-end restaurants and those in major cities often offer higher salaries, and certifications like the Court of Master Sommeliers can enhance earning potential.

Is it easy to get a job as a sommelier?

Securing a job as a sommelier can be competitive and often requires relevant wine knowledge, customer service skills, and certifications such as the Court of Master Sommeliers. Entry-level positions are available, but advancing typically involves gaining experience and specialized training.

What are the most commonly searched types of Sommelier jobs in California?

The most popular types of Sommelier jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Sommelier jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sommelier job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Sommelier jobs in CA?

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

Infographic showing various Sommelier job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. 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 27 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