
Sommelier Hire
Upgrade Your Event with Professional Sommelier Hire
Enhance your next gathering with Artender’s bespoke “Hire a Sommelier” service, a refined touch for intimate events where sophistication is key. Our professional sommeliers bring a wealth of wine expertise and elegance, tailoring their approach to suit your unique occasion.
Choose to provide your own wine selection and let our sommelier handle the finer details, from expertly explaining tasting notes to serving each bottle with finesse. Prefer a little guidance? Our sommelier can create a custom wine shopping list that perfectly complements your menu, ensuring every sip enhances your event.
Want a fully hands-off experience? Let us take care of everything from selecting and sourcing premium wines to offering flawless service on the day. Whether you seek expert advice or complete curation, Artender’s sommelier service guarantees a seamless, enriching experience.
Why Choose a Sommelier Hire for Your Event?
Looking to add elegance, flair, and finesse to your gathering? At Artender Events, our Sommelier Hire service transforms ordinary celebrations into unforgettable experiences.
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Premium Wine Expertise:
Our certified sommeliers bring deep knowledge of global wine regions, grape varieties, vintages, and terroirs. They’ll guide your guests through tasting flights, highlighting key aromas and tasting notes.
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Tailored Wine Pairings:
Whether it’s a multi-course wedding dinner, a corporate luncheon, or an intimate private party, our sommeliers craft bespoke pairings to complement your chosen menu ensuring each bite and sip perfectly harmonise.
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Polished Wine Service
Expect refined service: stylish decanting, glassware inspection, ideal pouring temperature all to elevate the wine experience from the first uncorking to the final sip.
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Engaging Tastings & Education
Add optional sommelier-led tasting sessions! Guests learn about wine production, regional styles, blind tasting, and food pairing rules all delivered with enthusiasm and flair.
How It Works: Sommelier Hire with Artender Events
1. Discovery Call & Briefing
Start with a chat to understand your event style, menu, guest profile, budget, and wine preferences. Do you want a feature tasting along with your sit-down dinner? We’ll design a bespoke solution.
2. Bespoke Wine List Curation
Drawing from our network of trusted suppliers, we source wines that reflect your vision whether that’s old-world classics, boutique vintages, bold new-school styles, or organic/ biodynamic selections.
3. Seamless Logistics & Setup
Your onsite sommelier arrives with all relevant wine stock, glassware, decanters, and tasting props. They’ll liaise with caterers and organisers so service runs smoothly and looks effortlessly stylish.
4. Expert-Level Wine Presentation
From introducing each wine and its origin to sharing tasting tips and pairings, our sommeliers create an immersive experience. Expect polished service with every pour.

Meet Alberto & Augusto Gherardi
Award-Winning Sommeliers | Wine Education Specialists
We’re proud to work with Alberto and Augusto Gherardi – twin sommeliers, Master of Wine candidates and WSET Certified Educators, who bring an exceptional level of knowledge, elegance, and professionalism to every wine event.
With experience spanning The Four Seasons, Michelin-starred restaurants, and Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, the Gherardi brothers specialise in bespoke wine experiences that elevate both private and corporate occasions. In 2025, they received the “Excellence in Education” award at the Taylor’s Port Top 100 Sommeliers UK – a testament to their dedication and craft.
Whether you’re hosting a wine tasting, gala, or luxury dinner, Alberto and Augusto add depth, storytelling, and Italian flair that leave a lasting impression.


Perfect For:
Weddings & Anniversaries
Let your guests enjoy a fine‑wine experience with sommeliers guiding them through each course and sharing stories of love and celebration.
Corporate Events
Popular for launches, client entertainment, and team networking—our sommeliers add sophistication and strengthen brand prestige.
Private Parties & Milestones
Make birthdays, engagements or housewarmings extra special with a wine journey tailored to your theme and tastes.
VIP & Executive Gatherings
From boardroom dinners to executive retreats, our sommeliers bring lounge-style service that impresses discerning guests.
Sommelier Masterclasses & Interactive Tastings
Looking for an engaging experience? Enhance the evening with one of our interactive formats:
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Tasting Journey (3–5 styles): Discover Old World vs. New World, bold vs. fresh, red vs. white.
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Blind Tasting Challenge: Guests guess grapes or regions fun, competitive, memorable.
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Themed Pairing Groups: For example, wine & cheese, dessert wines, or sparkling flights.
These make fantastic icebreakers and create a relaxed, learning-driven atmosphere.
Why Artender Events is the Premier Choice
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London-based, UK-wide coverage serving everything from Chelsea weddings to countryside estates
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Deep wine industry connections, enabling access to rare and premium selections
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Professionalism, from polished service staff to detailed event coordination
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Customisation at every step, ensuring your vision is delivered precisely
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Seamless partnership across our services combine sommelier hire with mobile bar packages or cocktail stations for a stellar drinks experience
FAQs About Sommelier Hire
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What does a sommelier do at my event?
A professional sommelier brings deep wine expertise to your special occasion, guiding guests through tasting flights and providing tailored pairings to match your chosen menu. This enhances the enjoyment of each dish and elevates the overall atmosphere. Whether you want an interactive masterclass, blind tasting challenge, or simply refined wine service, your sommelier will deliver engaging, educational experiences. Their attention to detail—like inspecting glassware, pouring at the ideal temperature, and offering insights into wine regions and styles—creates a sophisticated, memorable experience for everyone. No matter the format, the goal is always to make great wine part of your event’s story and offer expertise that caters to beginners and enthusiasts alike.
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Can I hire a sommelier without purchasing wine or glassware from you?
Yes, Artender Events offers fully customisable packages. You can opt for the standalone expertise of a certified sommelier without committing to our wine or equipment sourcing. Alternatively, you can choose our full-service options, which include wine selection, glassware provision, setup, and event coordination. If you already have your own wine list, our sommeliers are happy to work from it, recommending perfect pairings and providing impeccable service on the day. Whatever your requirements, our flexible approach means you can tailor the experience to precisely what suits your event best.
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Are organic and vegan wines available?
Absolutely. We understand the importance of dietary and lifestyle preferences, and our team is experienced in sourcing high-quality organic and vegan wines. Simply let us know your requirements when you book and we’ll ensure suitable selections are included in your tasting or paired menu. We collaborate closely with industry partners to access a wide range of sustainable and ethical producers, so you can enjoy wines that match your values—without compromising on taste or quality. If you have additional preferences such as low-sulphite or natural wines, we’re happy to accommodate these as well.
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Is sommelier hire suitable for both formal and casual events?
Yes, our sommelier services adapt perfectly to any event style. Whether you’re hosting an elegant wedding dinner, an energetic corporate function, or a relaxed garden party, our sommeliers always match their tone and approach to best suit your occasion and guests. Interactive tasting activities can make fantastic icebreakers, while more formal service offers a touch of luxury to any sit-down meal. The aim is always to create an enjoyable, informative experience that enhances your event, regardless of theme or formality.
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How far in advance should I book a sommelier?
For popular dates and peak seasons, we recommend booking your sommelier eight to twelve weeks ahead to ensure availability and allow for menu planning, wine selection, and logistics. During quieter periods, four to six weeks’ notice is usually sufficient. Let us know your event date as soon as possible so we can secure a suitable sommelier and tailor the service to your exact needs. We will work closely with you throughout to create an exceptional wine experience, even if you’re booking at short notice.
Conclusion
With Artender Events’ Sommelier Hire, you’re not just selecting wine you’re crafting an experience of elegance and discovery. Whether it’s a refined dinner, relaxed gathering, or high-energy corporate event, our sommeliers bring memorable moments to the table. Contact us today and let’s uncork something extraordinary together.