How to Become a Sommelier as a Full-Time Mom

Somewhere between packing school lunches, folding laundry, and squeezing in one peaceful moment with a glass of Pinot, there’s a version of you that still wants something more. Maybe it’s the desire to reconnect with a pre-mom passion. Or maybe it’s the first spark of something new entirely.

If you’ve ever been curious about wine—not just drinking it, but understanding it, talking about it, and sharing it—there’s a career path that might surprise you.

Becoming a sommelier isn’t only for fine-dining servers and full-time foodies. It’s a path more and more moms are choosing—one that balances intellectual engagement, personal growth, and flexible hours. 

Whether you’re looking for a part-time role, a career shift, or a passion-fueled side gig, find sommelier jobs that align with your lifestyle and open up a new chapter.

Photo: Freepik.com

What Does a Sommelier Actually Do?

Let’s clear up the mystique. A sommelier (soh-mel-YAY) is a trained wine professional who specializes in wine service, pairings, and curation. Sommeliers can be found working in upscale restaurants, wine bars, luxury hotels, country clubs, retail shops, and even as private consultants.

Here’s what the role might include:

• Building and managing wine lists
   
• Recommending pairings to complement a menu
   
• Hosting tastings and special events
   
• Educating staff and guests on wine profiles and origins
   
• Keeping up with wine trends, regions, and vintages
   

Some work in full-time floor positions. Others consult, freelance, or host classes. Flexibility, creativity, and hospitality all come together in this profession—making it a surprisingly great fit for moms looking to reenter the workforce or pivot toward something more fulfilling.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Sommelier as a Full-Time Mom

You don’t need a wine cellar or a culinary degree to get started. What you do need: a bit of structure, a dash of curiosity, and a little time carved out for you.

1. Start With a Course That Works for You

There are two main educational tracks for becoming a sommelier: the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Both offer foundational certifications you can complete part-time or online.

• CMS is more service-oriented and ideal if you plan to work in restaurants.
   
• WSET takes a more academic, global approach—great for retail, education, or personal enrichment.

Start with CMS Intro or WSET Level 1. Both are beginner-friendly and designed for people with busy lives (like, say, moms).

2. Create a Personal Wine Routine

You’re already carving out time to wind down—why not turn it into learning time?

Set aside one evening a week to open a bottle with intention. Jot down tasting notes in a journal: What does it smell like? What’s the texture? What food would you pair it with?

No need to get overly technical—start with basic impressions. You’re training your palate through real, lived experience.

3. Build a Tiny (but Mighty) Wine Library

Pick up 1–2 good wine books that balance education and storytelling. A few mom-friendly favorites:

• Wine. All the Time. by Marissa A. Ross
   
• The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil
   
• Big Macs & Burgundy by Vanessa Price
   

Use nap time or lunch breaks to read a few pages. You’ll be surprised how quickly things start to click.

4. Join a Tasting Group—Or Start One

Local tasting groups are a fun and social way to learn. Ask around at wine shops, bars, or local restaurants to see if they host any monthly events. No luck? Start your own with a few mom friends and rotate hosts. Choose a theme (e.g., “New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs”) and compare bottles together.

If in-person options are tough, consider online groups or virtual tasting classes.

5. Work the Floor (When It Makes Sense)

Once you feel confident, consider picking up a shift or two at a local wine bar, shop, or restaurant. Even if it’s just weekends or evenings, you’ll gain hands-on knowledge and see how wine fits into real-world hospitality settings.

Some places are happy to train enthusiastic beginners—especially those who’ve already completed an intro course and can talk about wine comfortably.

6. Practice Your Storytelling

Being a great sommelier isn’t about memorizing facts—it’s about connecting with people. Moms do this every day, whether we’re convincing toddlers to try broccoli or explaining big feelings to little humans.

Channel that same energy into wine. Think about how to describe a bold Tempranillo to someone new, or how to talk about terroir without sounding like a textbook. You’re already a communicator—now it’s just about changing the subject matter.

7. Explore the Many Paths Forward

Once you have some experience and education, you’ll start to see how many directions this field can take:

• Working in restaurants or hotels
   
• Hosting tastings at home or as a business
   
• Teaching or writing about wine
   
• Retail and buying for wine shops
   
• Freelance consulting for private clients or events

No path is “right”—only the one that works for your goals, your energy, and your family rhythm.

Real Talk: Can Moms Actually Do This?

Absolutely. In fact, some of the best sommeliers out there are women juggling families, school pickups, and sick-day surprises. It takes a little flexibility and a lot of organization, but you already have those skills in spades.

You already manage logistics, emotions, education, and chaos. Being a sommelier just shifts the context—from toddlers to tannins.

And here’s the truth: the wine world needs more moms. It needs your palate, your perspective, and your passion. Because wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the people you share it with, and the stories you tell.

Final Sip: It’s Never Too Late to Start

Maybe you’re deep in the toddler trenches. Maybe your kids are finally in school and you have an hour to yourself again. Maybe you’ve always loved wine but never knew where to begin.

This is your sign.

You don’t need to give up who you are to be a mom—or a sommelier. You just need a little space to start pouring into yourself.

So raise a glass. You’ve got this.