What is a sommelier?

Today I'd like to talk about something I've already confessed that I'm not - a sommelier. Wikipedia sums it up pretty well, saying - "A sommelier, or wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, commonly working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service."

Pretty cool, right? These guys are pretty much responsible for all aspects of the wine operations at fine-dining restaurants. That includes choosing varieties, finding them and buying them, storing them properly, and yes, serving them. Today sommeliers at the really nice joints are expected to be well versed in pretty much all of the high-society vices and delights. Wine, beer, scotch, cigars, sometimes even water.

There is even an international sommelier guild that offers courses for official certification. As of this year, there are only 160 or so master sommeliers in the world. Finally, I know what I want to do with my life!