- Salary statistics
- Wine tasting
Wine tasting
33 688 - 32 942 kr / month
Industriell tillverkning
Salary progression Wine tasting
What does a wine taster do? – Tasks and work environment
A wine taster works with systematically evaluating wines' taste, aroma, appearance, and quality. Tasks may include analyzing new wines for purchase, ensuring the quality of existing selections, participating in product development, or educating others in wine tasting. Many wine tasters are active in the restaurant industry, at wine importers, at Systembolaget, or on vineyards. The work environment varies between laboratory-like settings, offices, and public tastings, with workdays often characterized by concentration, precision, and sensory demands.
Salary development over time
The salary for wine tasters has been relatively stable in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 32,540 SEK per month, followed by a slight increase to 32 805 SEK in 2023 and a further small rise to 32 942 SEK in 2024. This corresponds to a total salary increase of just under 1.2% over the three-year period. The trend indicates a low but steady growth, which can be explained by consistent demand for professional wine tasting and some specialization within the profession. Since the industry is relatively small and specialized, salary levels are heavily influenced by individual experience, employment type, and employer rather than broad market trends.
Wine taster salary – complete overview
- Average salary: 32 942 SEK/month
- Lowest/Highest salary: Data not available
- Hourly wage: 198 SEK (average, based on 166 hours/month)
- Gender differences: Data not available
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a wine taster, a combination of formal education and practical experience is usually required. Many start with training in sommelier or food-related fields, but there are also certification courses and specialized programs in beverage knowledge. Internships and participation in industry tastings are important for developing sensory skills. Self-study and ongoing professional development are also common, especially as the profession continuously evolves with new trends and techniques.
- Sommelier training: 1–2 years, often at vocational colleges or folk high schools
- Certification courses: Examples include WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust)
- Internships: Often via restaurants, importers, or wine producers
- Prerequisites: Sensory interest and basic beverage knowledge
- Self-study: Regular tasting and updates on the wine world
Working as a wine taster often involves close collaboration with other experts in food and beverages, providing opportunities to develop both sensory and communication skills. Many wine tasters also have the chance to travel and participate in international competitions or training, significantly broadening their professional experience.
Common benefits and compensations
Wine tasters are often offered perks such as staff wines, educational grants for further development, and travel opportunities for work, especially in international collaborations or fairs. Flexible working hours and sometimes bonuses linked to sales or performance are also common. Other benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowances, and discounts on the employer's product range.
Competition and challenges
The competition within the profession of wine tasters is intense, as it is a specialized role with relatively few positions in Sweden. Challenges often include staying updated on new wines, changes in industry standards, and increasing certification requirements. Employers seek candidates with both sensory acuity and good communication skills, which can demand high levels of education and experience. Since many wine tasters are consultants or freelancers, business acumen and networking skills are essential to secure assignments. Digitalization and new analytical methods are also changing work practices, requiring continuous professional development.
Tips for aspiring wine tasters
To succeed as a wine taster, it’s good to combine curiosity and sensory precision with a desire to constantly learn. A first step is to complete a basic sommelier course and then seek internships or part-time jobs where regular tasting and analysis of wine is possible. Developing a good memory for aromas and flavors is crucial, as is being open to feedback and new influences. Social skills and clear communication facilitate collaboration with colleagues and clients, while patience and perseverance are helpful during longer tasting sessions. Active networking within the industry increases the chances of finding exciting assignments and staying updated on current trends.
Key facts about Wine Tasters
- Average salary: 32 942 SEK/month
- Educational path: Sommelier training and certifications
- Work environment: Varies – restaurant, laboratory, vineyard
- Number of available jobs: 1,437 within the profession
- Hourly wage: 198 SEK (average, hourly employment)
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years in the profession, a wine taster can advance to roles such as responsible for product development, head sommelier, or quality manager at larger restaurants, hotels, or import companies. Many choose to specialize in training, consulting, or product development for wine producers. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, demand for tasters and quality assessors remains stable, with 1,437 available jobs in the profession. However, the industry is influenced by economic cycles and changing consumption patterns, making flexibility and further education important for long-term development and job security.
Common questions about Wine Tasters
- What does a Wine Taster earn?
- The average salary for a wine taster is 32 942 SEK per month. - How does one become a wine taster?
- Most commonly, by completing a sommelier training and gaining practical experience through internships or work within the industry. - Is certification required to work as a wine taster?
- Certifications such as WSET or similar are advantageous but not always a requirement. - What does a wine taster do at work?
- The work involves systematically assessing and analyzing wines for quality, taste, and aroma, and often educating others. - Are there many jobs for wine tasters?
- There are 1,437 available jobs within the profession of tasters and quality assessors according to the latest data. - What personal qualities are important?
- Attention to detail, sensory interest, communication skills, and patience are key qualities in the profession.
Salary distributed by age and sector
About the data
All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.
All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.
Profession Wine tasting has the SSYK code 7613, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.
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