What is a sommelier?

A Sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, normally found working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service. The role is more specialized and informed than that of a wine waiter.
The job involves wine buying, storage, and wine cellar rotation. They would also be responsible for the development of wine lists and for the delivery of wine service and training for the other restaurant staff. Working along with the chef, they would pair and suggest wines that will best complement each particular food menu item. It could be argued that the role of a sommelier in fine dining today is on par with that of the chef de cuisine. A sommelier would also work on the floor of the restaurant and is in direct contact with restaurants patrons.

So you may ask what has this to do with anything, well during my trip to the Maltese Islands last week I was offered the job of sommelier in what is arguably won of the finest restaurants on the Maltese Islands and I felt very flattered indeed.

By the time I left I was to be made a further job offer, the later offer I am not at liberty to talk about here at this moment in time. I have neither accepted nor declined either offer yet. Watch this space.

So much for retirement!

"Opportunity is rare, and a wise man will never let it go by him." Bayard Taylor