A certification through either the Wine School or the WSET is a very good idea. However, a sommelier certification is not essential. In fact, it is not neccesary at all. While job of “sommelier” sound very alluring, it is mostly smoke and mirrors.
In the USA, a sommelier is basically a wine & beverage manager, responsible for maintaining inventory, keeping budget goals, and managing staff. This is a very specialized job, and there is not a high demand for this type of job.
Furthermore, most people hired as sommeliers in Philadelphia get their certification through either the Wine School or the WSET and never get a specialized sommelier certification.
Since the best jobs in the wine industry do not call for sommelier certification, it is strongly recommended that you take a more generalized wine education program.
