As a certified sommelier with experience at renowned companies like E. & J. Gallo Winery, Nice Winery, and Maker Wine, Warner Boin Dowlearn has always put wine education at the forefront of her career. She believes that the most exciting part of being a sommelier is educating others and boosting their confidence in choosing wines.

In her latest venture as a content creator for her brand, Confidence Uncorked, she’s doing just that for her 200,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok. With certifications from the Society of Wine Educators and the Court of Master Sommeliers, she makes wine education both fun and approachable. Her engaging video clips simplify wine learning for a wide range of audiences. She discusses her roles as a sommelier, content creator, and wine educator as she chats with the Sommeliers Choice Awards.

Also read: How to Effectively Communicate Wine to Young Wine Drinkers

Why did you want to become a sommelier?

Having worked as a wine educator for a while, I decided that becoming a sommelier would be a step in the right direction. It will allow me to expand my wine knowledge and skills while making me a more confident and empowered wine educator. 

What are some of the most important skills for a sommelier? 

I have always viewed passion for hospitality as the first and foremost requisite of being a sommelier. Only when a sommelier enjoys their job can they create a wonderful and memorable experience. It is also important to keep the mentality of being a student and be aware that there is always something new to learn and you will never know everything about wine.

Image Title: Warner Boin, Confidence Uncorked

Questions you would ask a customer who doesn't know anything about wine to get the conversation going at a restaurant?

I try to spark a conversation with the guest by asking questions like which brands or styles of wine they've enjoyed in the past to get an idea of their preferences, what dish they're thinking of ordering for their meal, and if they prefer lighter or bolder options. The key is to keep the conversation approachable and relatable so that you can fully grasp the guests’ preferences and suggest the perfect wine for them.

What are the biggest faux pas that customers tend to make when ordering and drinking wine?

I am usually very non-judgmental when it comes to wines, as I am aware of the fact that not every guest is going to know a lot about wines. However, when people don’t ask for help when they need it for choosing a wine, it comes off as a big faux pas to me. Whether that's from a sommelier at a restaurant or a wine manager at a store, I always recommend getting advice from the people whose job it is to help you find something you'll love.

What has been the most rewarding part of helping people learn about wine?

I am extremely passionate about helping people feel more confident and empowered about their knowledge of wine. Even if it is one simple thing that they learned from me and are using it to buy wines, I would be really glad. In fact, having confidence in wine has improved my self-esteem in many other areas of my life, and I hope to empower others along the same path as well.

How do you educate yourself about wines? 

I constantly expand my wine knowledge through various resources. Joining tasting groups has been monumental in improving my knowledge and skills. I also subscribe to Wine Industry Advisor's daily newsletter to stay in the know of industry news, I listen to Vinepair's podcast, and I even keep a copy of The Wine Bible on my bedside table so that I can reread different chapters to refine my knowledge of regions I'm less familiar with. 

Image Title and Source: Certified Sommelier Warner Boin

What methods do you use to grow beverage sales in your business or ideas you may have? 

One of the best ways to grow beverage sales is by investing in your people! Instead of assuming they know everything to do their job as a sommelier, spend time to educate your team, answer any questions they may have without judgment, and make them feel like they're in a safe space. I have found that these initiatives create a talented salesforce with a strong culture. When people feel supported, they become more confident, creative, and empowered, which naturally leads to more sales. 

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How do you help suppliers drive sales?

As sommeliers, we are professional storytellers! I love working with wineries, wine companies, and regions so that I can share their stories with my guests. I make it a priority to get to know each supplier I work with, fully understanding their goals and uniqueness so that I can communicate that in an engaging manner on my platform to help drive sales and new customers. 

Also read: The Rise of Wine Tourism: How Wineries Are Captivating a New Generation of Travellers

Can you share an example of a solid wine program with us?

In my opinion, a solid wine program is one with a unique list of wines that were intentionally selected for the cuisine and style of food. I love it when I see a list of wines that aren't commonly distributed or available in stores everywhere. These restaurants are typically very detail-oriented about their wine program and do a great job of educating their teams, so it's fun to ask questions and learn about the best pairing recommendations.

Header image by Warner Boin.

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