What is the primary responsibility of a sommelier?

The primary responsibility of a sommelier is wine service and guidance in a restaurant. This role focuses on curating the wine list, providing wine recommendations to guests, and ensuring proper wine service during meals. A sommelier is knowledgeable about various wines, including their regions, varietals, and appropriate pairings with different foods, thereby enhancing the dining experience for guests.

While conducting wine tastings can be part of a sommelier's duties, it is not their primary role, which centers more around the service aspect and advising patrons. Managing the bar area and overseeing food preparation fall outside the typical responsibilities of a sommelier, as these tasks are generally associated with bartenders and food service staff, respectively. The core of a sommelier's work is directly related to wine selection and service, illustrating the importance of this role in fine dining establishments.