What do you think?
Rate this book
Masters at Work
Becoming a Sommelier
“If you are curious about life as a sommelier, this charming book makes an easy, nutritious appetizer.” — The New York Times
An illuminating guide to a career as a sommelier written by acclaimed food and drink writer Rosie Schaap and based on the real-life experiences of experts in the field—essential reading for anyone considering a path to this profession.
Wine is a pleasure, and in its pursuit there should be no snobbery. The sommelier is there to help, to teach, to guide. Acclaimed food and drink writer Rosie Schaap profiles two renowned sommeliers to offer a candid portrait of this profession. Learn the job from Amanda Smeltz, a poet and wine director in New York, and Roger Dagorn, a James Beard Award–winning Master Sommelier. From starting in the cellar, grueling certification exams, to tastings and dinner service, Becoming a Sommelier is an invaluable introduction to this dream job.
An illuminating guide to a career as a sommelier written by acclaimed food and drink writer Rosie Schaap and based on the real-life experiences of experts in the field—essential reading for anyone considering a path to this profession.
Wine is a pleasure, and in its pursuit there should be no snobbery. The sommelier is there to help, to teach, to guide. Acclaimed food and drink writer Rosie Schaap profiles two renowned sommeliers to offer a candid portrait of this profession. Learn the job from Amanda Smeltz, a poet and wine director in New York, and Roger Dagorn, a James Beard Award–winning Master Sommelier. From starting in the cellar, grueling certification exams, to tastings and dinner service, Becoming a Sommelier is an invaluable introduction to this dream job.
144 pages, Hardcover
Published September 3, 2019
12 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 30, 2024
Enjoyable information, a quick read on a wonderful subject via audio, and an easy to listen to narrator: Andi Arndt.
I LOVE LOVE champagne. It’s beyond the amazing flavor, taste, and includes the entire experience from the presentation of the bottle, stripping the protective aluminum wrapping, the popping of the cork, the amazing aroma, the stately bottle, pop, clink, fizz, and the tiny BUBBLES. And then there's wine, a flavorful/bold Chardonnay of Cab Sauv., which includes the whole presentation as well, swirling and smelling, and sipping. Fun and flavorful.
My tangent: Champagne is the perfect drink alone or with gin in a French 75, for a simple or special toast, salute, best sipping wine, for a celebration or company or when alone, but so much more since its history is steeped into the lives of my and many others French ancestors’ country and past.
The author Rosie is knowledgeable, still learning about fine wines, and it's an accessible read to learn and grow along with her. Fun and informative but deals primarily with NY experiences. She highly recommends the book Cork Dork, so that'll be coming up on my list.
I LOVE LOVE champagne. It’s beyond the amazing flavor, taste, and includes the entire experience from the presentation of the bottle, stripping the protective aluminum wrapping, the popping of the cork, the amazing aroma, the stately bottle, pop, clink, fizz, and the tiny BUBBLES. And then there's wine, a flavorful/bold Chardonnay of Cab Sauv., which includes the whole presentation as well, swirling and smelling, and sipping. Fun and flavorful.
My tangent: Champagne is the perfect drink alone or with gin in a French 75, for a simple or special toast, salute, best sipping wine, for a celebration or company or when alone, but so much more since its history is steeped into the lives of my and many others French ancestors’ country and past.
The author Rosie is knowledgeable, still learning about fine wines, and it's an accessible read to learn and grow along with her. Fun and informative but deals primarily with NY experiences. She highly recommends the book Cork Dork, so that'll be coming up on my list.
September 11, 2019
This is a great book for all wine lovers at all levels. Even if you don't want to become a Sommelier, it's still fun to learn about wine!
March 23, 2021
Not that I have any intention of becoming a Sommelier. I just have an interest in wine, and what excites people about it.
This was a short book on the lives of two famous Sommeliers and how they got to where they were.
Basically you learn that it is more about the experience than the price of the wine.
And that it is the combination of great food, great company and great wine (that doesn't have to be expensive). Pairing the right dish with the right wine can transform both.
This was a short book on the lives of two famous Sommeliers and how they got to where they were.
Basically you learn that it is more about the experience than the price of the wine.
And that it is the combination of great food, great company and great wine (that doesn't have to be expensive). Pairing the right dish with the right wine can transform both.
May 6, 2020
I have no interest in being a sommelier (although I like wine), but knowing the author, I knew it would be a pleasure to read. Indeed, it is. Schaap describes two sommeliers, how they found their calling and their philosophy. For me, it helped me overcome my fear of sommeliers and encouraged me to ask more about wine (even in the liquor store).
I am writing this while we are in quarantine, so reading about wonderful meals and wine is torment. However, I believe we will get out!
The perfect gift for someone who loves fine dining or good wines (or both).
I am writing this while we are in quarantine, so reading about wonderful meals and wine is torment. However, I believe we will get out!
The perfect gift for someone who loves fine dining or good wines (or both).
January 29, 2020
Short and sweet little book that profiles two well known sommeliers, how they got to where they are, what their day to day typically looks like, and what personality traits it takes to be successful in this field. A book that made me hungry for good food and wine, and want to learn more about food pairings & more naturally made wines.
July 15, 2021
3.5 stars. Was expecting more of an intro to wines and sommelier work, but this was about two highly esteemed, yet very different, sommeliers and how they came to be. Lots of good advice and insights sprinkled in, but I was hoping to learn more details about specific grapes/regions/etc. and less about the lives of Amanda Smeltz and Roger Dagorn
October 6, 2019
Fell a bit flat for me. She interviews two sommeliers and dives into their career experiences. I did get some notes about restaurants I want to try next time in NYC, but nothing sustainable in terms of education.
November 18, 2019
A quick read that’s worth your time as it primarily profiles two very different but successful sommeliers but the book ends up lacking in areas related to wine and food and wine travel that have been upended by the digital age and the retrenchment of print Media.
August 10, 2020
Makes you want to learn more. I love reading about people with passion and this slim volume features two sommeliers who each took a different path to the career. Greta read for an afternoon with a nice glass of wine--just make sure to hold it by them stem!
November 6, 2019
What a wonderful little treasure.
June 8, 2020
Fun but nothing special!
June 20, 2020
Very fun. At first I thought it was sort of fluff, but as I read on I realized it’s more useful and interesting than that. Definitely recommend. Useful reading list at the back too.
December 10, 2021
The author writes about two sommelier working in New York City. And I learn that a sommelier has to study and read a lot if they want to master the career.
December 24, 2025
Interesting when I read it. Don't remember much about it and now my cup of tea
December 11, 2019
Amazing insights and great writing. Highly recommend to anyone in the hospitality industry or anyone interested in some general facts about wine and having a career with it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews