When ordering wine, you might wonder who is the best person to ask. While both a waiter and a sommelier will have knowledge about wines, you’re more likely to find a sommelier in Europe. A sommelier is, in essence, a wine waiter. They have specific knowledge about wines, from suggesting good wines that match your food choices to pointing out the various differences of the wines on the wine list.
You can think of a sommelier as your personal wine guide while you are in the restaurant. In fact, the sommelier may have even had some control over the wines you will see in the wine list. You may be able to recognize the sommelier due to their uniform, which is different from a waiter’s as well as other staff members. In most cases, the sommelier will have a “tastevin,” which is a small tasting cup.
If there is no sommelier in the restaurant, you will have to rely upon the waiter. Depending upon the restaurant you visit, the waiter may or may not have a good knowledge of wines. However, when restaurants are high end, you may be better able to put your trust in their tastes.
