51. What Is a Sommelier? Defining the Role in Today’s Wine Industry

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Episode Summary
In this Thursday episode, Joanne digs into a frequently asked—and slightly spicy—topic: what exactly is a sommelier? Who gets to use the title, and how has the meaning shifted over time?

She traces the word’s origins from its Old French roots (spoiler: it involved pack animals) to its evolution in aristocratic households and, eventually, the modern fine dining scene. Drawing from respected sources like Jancis Robinson’s Oxford Companion to Wine, Joanne breaks down the traditional definition—and then explores how that definition is being stretched today.

With the rise of formal certifications (like CMS and WSET), social media, and pop culture (hello, Somm), the title “somm” is now being used far beyond the restaurant floor. But is that a problem? Or just part of natural language evolution?

Joanne plays devil’s advocate, shares some historical perspective, and invites you to weigh in. Whether you work in a restaurant, retail shop, tasting room, or classroom, this episode offers food for thought on how we define roles in the wine industry.

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In This Episode:

• The origin and history of the word "sommelier"

• The traditional definition (and who sets it)

• The modern shift: somm as a role vs. somm as an identity

• How wine professionals in education, retail, or distribution fit into the picture

• Why the term can be controversial—and why it still matters

• A call for listener thoughts and discussion on Instagram

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Join the Conversation
Have an opinion about the word “somm”? Find the discussion post on Instagram @wineeducate and share your thoughts. This is one where we want to hear from you.