Is 50 Too Late to Become a Sommelier? Here’s How to Start Now

For decades, becoming a sommelier was a male-dominated game, but now, more women over 50 are stepping in, proving it’s never too late to pour yourself a new passion.

Wine can, in fact, be a surprisingly powerful second act in later life, offering opportunities that many industries simply don’t. It’s a rich mix of science and artistry, travel and terroir, history and storytelling: a world that invites curiosity and rewards those who never stop learning.

“The journey to becoming a sommelier isn’t just about wine, it’s about discovery, curiosity, and continuous learning,” says Sally Evans, from the U.K. who at age 52 decided to change her life, studied wine (WSET courses) and subsequently bought and renovated a small vineyard in Bordeaux. “After a corporate career based in Paris and the South of France, I completely changed my life. In my mid-fifties, having thrown myself into wine studies, I bought a parcel of vines with some dilapidated buildings and created a brand-new wine chateau. Wine is not ageist – she continues- Unlike so many other industries which would be difficult to get into later in life, wine does not have an age barrier for entering or for having credibility. People are respected for their know-how and achievements, whatever their age and your years of experience elsewhere give you the confidence of knowing your own mind”.

Becoming a Sommelier in Midlife:  Is It Too Late?

Age is no barrier to mastering the art of wine, but once that first spark of interest hits, you’ll need to commit, studying hard, tasting often, training your palate, and staying endlessly curious.

Today, social media has made stepping into this world far less intimidating. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have opened it up to everyone, with women sommeliers and “winefluencers” sharing tips, stories, and recommendations making learning about wine more approachable and fun. Also, online communities and mentorship programs have blossomed, offering workshops and guidance that help women take their first confident steps into the wine industry, showing exciting new opportunities to midlife reinvention.

However, if you want to succeed in this field later in life, you need to prepare to face some challenges.

“I came to wine later in life, after raising my family and sending both kids off to college – says Nilu Afshar, 57, from Sonoma County– At 49, I finally had time to think about what I truly wanted for myself: not just another job, but a career I loved. Living in Northern California’s Wine Country, wine had always been part of our lives, so I started working in the industry while taking classes and eventually earned my Sommelier Certification in 2023. The journey hasn’t been easy-she explains-. Nothing was handed to me, I had to fight for every step forward. Early on, I noticed how often opportunities seemed to bypass logic, and while the front-of-house looked elegant, the back was pure grind. But I was never the type to settle for just pouring wine for a few hours a day. I wanted to learn everything, take on more responsibility, and push myself to grow“.

Now, at 57, that hard work has shaped her into a stronger leader and business owner.

“I’ve managed tasting rooms, worked under different managers, and learned how to fill the gaps I’ve seen in leadership. Today, I run California Tastings, offering beginner wine classes and virtual winery experiences for corporate groups, and I’ve recently launched the Beyond the Pour podcast to share industry stories. Wine has changed me for the better—it’s taught me perseverance, respect, and the power of constantly learning and creating. My vision is simple: keep building, keep sharing, and craft something truly magical from the journey I fought to make my own.”

How to Begin Your Sommelier Journey 

Many female sommeliers began their journeys not in family wine cellars but on the restaurant floor, learning the craft hands-on. Others have transitioned from completely different careers, like marketing or communications, showing that the path into wine is wide open to anyone with passion and curiosity. 

Jessica Hue Williams, a British brand consultant turned wine educator, re-entered the workforce after spending 13 years raising her four children.

“I was ready to return, I wasn’t sure anyone would hire me– she explains to SheerLuxe-. Earning my WSET diploma gave me the courage to try. I started small—working at a wine shop to learn the ropes—then met my future boss at a tasting and became a wine educator. I’ve learned history, science, geography, and how to trust myself again. I still get nervous, but I’ve found a confidence I never had before“.

For some midlife women, becoming a sommelier is also a way to give back to society, breaking down barriers, celebrating diversity, and fostering a more inclusive wine culture where everyone can find their place and voice.

“Becoming a sommelier later in life was driven by my passion for wine and commitment to diversity in an industry where access for people of colour has historically been limited – says Stephanie Love, a WSET Certified Wine Educator and owner of Epicurious One-. The journey has been challenging, but my passion for wine and commitment to diversity fueled my determination. Balancing nonprofit work by day and wine education by night, I’ve built the Tampa Bay Wine Collective to make wine more approachable and inclusive – she explains to CrunchyTales- This transformation has not only deepened my expertise but empowered me to challenge norms, mentor future sommeliers, and help create a wine culture where everyone can find their place and voice”.

Embracing the sommelier path in her 50s has been profoundly transformative for her.

“It’s not only deepened my professional expertise but also empowered me to challenge industry norms and advocate for equity and diversity – she continues-. Balancing two careers has strengthened my resilience and reaffirmed my commitment to promoting inclusivity in every aspect of wine education and community engagement. So, essentially just as I fight for disadvantaged children to have access to a quality education during the day, I fight for wine to representative of all and approachable for all“.

From Enthusiast to Expert: Your First Steps in Wine Mastery

Curious about diving into a wine career later in life? Don’t let age hold you back. Being a sommelier is a career that blends passion with professionalism, allowing a fresh start that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is enjoyable.

Experts usually recommends beginning by building foundational knowledge through beginner-friendly books like Wine Folly by Madeline Puckette, online classes, and tastings to familiarize yourself with wine regions, styles, and flavours. But if you really want to deepen your understanding and credibility. it’s crucial consider pursuing certifications like WSET or the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Gaining hands-on experience through culinary experiences, work or volunteer roles in wine settings is also invaluable: it sharpens service skills, expands your network, and immerses you in the wine community through events and mentorship.

But the journey doesn’t end there. Embarking on the sommelier path in your 50s isn’t just a career change; it’s a chance to rediscover joy, embrace new challenges, and find renewed purpose.  As you refine your expertise, advanced skills like blind tasting, food pairing, and cellar management can elevate your mastery.

After all, both fine wine and a fulfilling life only deepen in richness with age.

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