During a joint news conference at the White House on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump reiterated his support for the H-1B visa program, emphasizing the importance of welcoming “very competent people” into the country. He clarified that his focus extends beyond engineers to include skilled professionals across various fields.
“I like both sides of the argument but I also like very competent people coming to our country, even if that involves training and helping others who may not have the qualifications.. I’m not just talking about engineers.. We want competent people coming to our country, and H-B1, I know the programme very well. I use the programme myself..wine experts, even high-quality waiters.. You got to get the best people..” said Trump during the news conference.

Trump’s reference to wine experts along with high-quality waiters during his remarks on the H-1B visa program reflects the importance of specialized talent in enhancing the US economy, particularly in sectors like hospitality and fine dining, which contribute significantly to the country’s cultural and economic fabric. Read on to know how to become a wine expert in the US and how much you can earn.

Who are wine experts?

Wine experts, often referred to as sommeliers, are professionals with in-depth knowledge about wine, including its production, varieties, tasting, pairing, and storage. They are typically employed in high-end restaurants, wineries, or wine retailers, where they assist in selecting, pairing, and serving wine to enhance the dining or tasting experience.

What is the salary of a wine expert in the US?

And now, the question on everyone’s mind: What can a wine expert earn in the US? According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for a wine expert is $41,583, or roughly $20 per hour. For those curious about the finer details, the platform also offers a breakdown of earnings, spanning from average salaries to those of top earners. Here’s what the numbers reveal:

Qualifications of a sommelier

Becoming a wine expert, or sommelier, requires a combination of specialized education, training, practical experience, and passion for the craft. While formal education isn’t always mandatory, certifications from recognized institutions play a significant role in establishing credibility. Here is the list of qualifications and certificates that will help you build a career as a wine expert.
Master Sommelier from Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS): The Master Sommelier (MS) diploma, offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS), is available globally through various accredited institutions and independent sommelier schools. Notable locations include the Napa Valley Wine Academy, San Francisco Wine School, and Wine School of Philadelphia. In India, students can pursue CMS certifications at the Indian School of Beverages, which offers four levels of professional certification for sommeliers and beverage professionals.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) qualification: The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is a qualification designed to help individuals advance their careers in the wine industry. In the US, students can obtain this qualification from institutes such as Slate Wine & Spirits Academy and the International Beverage Academy. In India, WSET certifications are available at the Indian School of Beverages.
Master of Wine (MW) Designation from the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW): Students can pursue the Master of Wine (MW) designation at study centers in cities such as London and New York, among others.
Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW): In India, students can earn the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) certification through the Sonal Holland Wine Academy, which also offers other wine certifications such as the Advanced Wine Pro (AWP) and Certified Wine Pro. In the US, the Society of Wine Educators (SWE) offers the CSW certification.

Want to become a sommelier? Top US institutes to tap (offline and online)

According to SOMM, an independent board that reviews professional certifications in the wine trade, the following are the top institutions that offer sommelier certification:

According to SOMM, these are the top rated online schools that offer sommelier certification:

Wine-tasting institutes in India for aspiring wine experts

If you’re an Indian resident dreaming of a career as a wine connoisseur in the US, starting with the right certification is key. India also offers several renowned institutes that can equip you with the skills and credentials to thrive in the wine industry abroad. Here’s the list of popular wine-tasting institutes in India to help you embark on your journey toward becoming a wine expert: