Many people call themselves “wine lovers”, “wine gurus”, or “wine connoisseurs,” but to become a sommelier, you need a little more than just an interest in wine. A word of French origin, a sommelier, or a sommelière in the feminine form, once was the name of the person in charge of protecting and caring for a wine convoy. Nowadays, it refers to the person in charge of the wine cellar, and often the bar, of a restaurant. Sommeliers are commonly known as wine stewards and must go through formal training and gain extensive knowledge of all things wine. They are experts in its service and storage, as well as pairing the perfect wine with the right food. They also often have training and knowledge of different ciders and beers.
Sommelier Duties
Sommeliers are responsible for ensuring that all beverages are kept at the appropriate temperatures as well as served in the correct glassware. While serving the wine, the sommelier will allow the guest to smell and sip a small amount of wine as they describe what the guest should be looking for in the wine, such as a specific flavor or aroma.
While having a love for wine is common, being a sommelier is not. According to Binwise, there are only 172 Master Sommeliers in North and South America. At Bank+Vine, your drinks will be crafted by our very own sommelier, Ryan Dimmick. During his time playing professional golf, he became certified as a level one sommelier and mixologist.
As Bank+Vine’s sommelier and bar manager, Ryan creates and updates the wine list based on the current menu crafted by our chefs. The list, at the moment, includes beautiful white wines such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. It also includes deep reds, such as red Moscato, Bordeaux, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. For special nights out, you can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine.
He also crafts our signature cocktails, including but not limited to:
- BONNIE + CLYDE: Hussong’s Tequila, Cointreau, Fresh Lime, Fresh Watermelon Juice, Simple Syrup, Fresh Basil with a Cayenne + Paprika Salted Rim
- THE AVIATION: Bluecoat Gin, Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Layered Creme De Violette
- THE ARSONIST: Redemption Rye Whiskey, Fresh Vanilla Infused Brown Sugar, Bitters, SMOKED
Not the drinks for you? Not to worry — as a mixologist, he can whip up nearly any drink at your request. When you dine with Bank+Vine, our sommelier will be able to provide you with beverage recommendations to complement any dish — just ask! His knowledge will ensure that your experience is like no other.
A Night Out at Bank+Vine
No matter the occasion, when you come to Bank+Vine, the service will be exceptional from the moment you walk in the door. Start off your meal with any cocktail, wine, beer, or any other fine spirits prepared by our bar manager, followed by any of the dishes crafted by our culinary team led by executive chef Chad Gelso. Make your reservation here. We look forward to serving you!
