A
sommelier ( or ; ), or
wine steward, is a trained and knowledgeable
wine professional, normally working in fine
restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service as well as
wine and food pairing. The role is much more specialized and informed than that of a wine waiter: in fine dining today, it has been opined that the role is strategically on a par with that of the executive chef or
chef de cuisine.