Wine & Beverage

Aldo Sohm

Wine Director | Le Bernardin, Aldo Sohm Wine Bar
Every day is a challenge. Sometimes we get a big push, and then I help too. I bus the tables. It's not a problem. We do what we have to do. I realized, luckily enough, I'm way too poor to afford ego. That's too expensive and can cost a career. It's good to remain humble.

Podcasts

Culinary Agents
Feb 17, 2026
Hospitality On The Rise Podcast
EP 49: Aldo Sohm

Experience

2025 - 2025
Author
Wine Simple: Perfect Pairings
2019 - 2019
Author
Wine Simple: A Totally Approachable Guide from a World-Class Sommelier
2014 - Present
Wine Director
Aldo Sohm Wine BarNew York, NY
2009 - Present
Winemaker
Sohm & Kracher WinesAustria
2008 - Present
USA Brand Ambassador
Zalto Glassware by Denk’art
2008 - 2008
Best Sommelier in the World
Worldwide Sommelier Association
2007 - Present
Wine Director
Le BernardinNew York, NY
2007 - 2007
Best Sommelier in America
American Sommelier Association
2006 - 2006
Best Sommelier in Austria
Austrian Sommelier Union
2002 - 2004
Best Sommelier in Austria
Austrian Sommelier Union
1990 - 1990
Server
Austria

Education

Advice from Aldo Sohm

Quotes about career path, skills, and teamwork from an industry leader.
Be open to change!
No matter what industry you go to, no job is easy.
That's just a life test, whether you want that or not. Many people back off. The really great ones succeed because they find a way. There's nothing gained with winning, nothing learned with winning. With struggling, you learn a ton.
Be patient, listen to people with experience, stay focused, don't get distracted just by one other project.
Hold on to the good things.
For the things that are not good yet, let them go.
It's not about the price of wine.
Price is often the noise we put onto things. But there is a joy in the product; sometimes I take great pleasure just drinking a simple glass of Chianti Classic at home on the weekend. It doesn't have to be expensive. It has to be delicious. If you can do the right food, it's easier.
I like to be a happy person.
The more negative you are, the more you attract that energy. Even though sometimes not everything works out the way you want it, there's always a silver lining, and I focus on that. There's always something to learn. That gives me joy, and I put energy into that.
I've worked for 18 years in one place.
Why? It's very simple. I am "lazy.” Moving around is a nightmare; I take great pleasure in routine. I think a lot of people underestimate the power a routine has, because you can perfect your skill and create muscle memory, and that can really zero in on the client and fine tune the experience.
I work five doubles, which is not normal.
But I choose to have it that way because nothing runs on its own. That's just my take on it. Other people figured out how to run the restaurant with them not personally there. I have not figured it out yet.

Roles in Wine & Beverage

Check out the newest job opportunities in your area and level up your career.

Bartender

Los Angeles, CA
Full/Part Time
Sponsored
Apply$18/hr

Bartender

West Hollywood, CA
Part Time
Sponsored
Apply$20/hr

Bartender

Santa Clarita, CA
Full/Part Time
 
Apply$17/hr

Barista

West Hollywood, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$21/hr

Bartender

Santa Monica, CA
Part Time
 
Apply$18/hr

Bartender

Los Angeles, CA
Full Time
 
Apply$18/hr

Explore More Culinary Leaders

  • Ben Potts
    Bar Director and Partner
    The Sylvester, Unfiltered Hospitality
  • Charlotte Voisey
    Executive Director
    Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
  • Robert LeBlanc
    Founder and Creative Director
    LeBLANC+SMITH
  • Anncherie Saludo
    Group Beverage Director
    L'Artusi, B'Artusi, L'Artusi Supper Club
  • Katie Vota
    Freelance Artist & Bartender
    Andros Taverna
  • Victoria James
    Beverage Director & Partner, Co-Founder
    Gracious Hospitality Management, Wine Empowered
  • Amy Racine
    Beverage Director & Partner, Wine Consultant
    JF Restaurants, Tatiana
  • Megan McGannon
    Service Director & Head Sommelier
    Lazy Bear
  • Joe Campanale
    Owner and Beverage Director
    Annona Wine, Fausto, LaLou & Bar Vinazo
  • Jennifer Foucher
    Virtual Sommelier
    Culture With Us
  • Kara Mitchell
    General Manager
    The Iberian Pig
  • Lauren Hoey
    Wine Director
    Manuela
Find the latest compensation data across roles, experience levels, and locations.