Wine Steward and Sommelier: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for professionals aiming to excel in the global hospitality sector, this program equips learners with advanced expertise in wine curation, service excellence, and strategic wine program development. It emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of wine from vine to glass, preparing individuals for leadership roles in restaurants, hotels, wine bars, and specialty retail environments.
- Wine production and viticulture: Explore the science and art behind grape cultivation and winemaking, covering varietals, terroir, and regional winemaking traditions.
- Global wine regions: Develop in-depth knowledge of major wine-producing areas worldwide, including their climates, regulations, and signature styles.
- Sensory evaluation and wine tasting: Master the techniques of professional wine assessment, including aroma, flavor, structure, and quality evaluation.
- Food and wine pairing: Learn the principles of harmonizing flavors, textures, and intensities to create exceptional dining experiences.
- Wine service and hospitality standards: Study formal and contemporary service protocols, glassware selection, and customer engagement techniques.
- Wine inventory and business management: Gain practical skills in procurement, storage, inventory control, pricing strategy, and sales analytics.
Wine Steward and Sommelier Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Wine Steward and Sommelier Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Wine Steward and Sommelier degrees, including Food Service Managers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 244,230 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Service Managers 11-9051 | $65,310 | $42,380 - $105,420 | 244,230 | $31.40 |
Wine Steward and Sommelier Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $50,920 in West Virginia to $92,290 in Washington—a 81% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, Massachusetts, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 244,230 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Wine Steward and Sommelier by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Wine Steward and Sommelier programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Wine Steward and Sommelier is found at South Seattle College (SSC) (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Seattle College (SSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Seattle, Washington | Public | southseattle.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Wine Steward and Sommelier programs
How much can I earn with a Wine Steward and Sommelier degree?
Salaries for Wine Steward and Sommelier graduates vary by role and location. Food Service Managers earn a median of $65,310 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $92,290 compared to $50,920 in West Virginia. Approximately 244,230 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Wine Steward and Sommelier programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Wine Steward and Sommelier degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include South Seattle College (SSC) (7 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Wine Steward and Sommelier growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 28 in 2010 to a peak of 99 in 2020, before declining slightly to 7 in 2023-24. This represents a 75% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Wine Steward and Sommelier degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Food Service Managers. Related occupations employ approximately 244,230 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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