How much to tip a sommelier?

A sommelier who helps you choose and serve wine is typically tipped a percentage of the wine portion of the bill.

What 18% looks like on a real bill

How much should you tip a sommelier?

Tip on the pre-tax subtotal if you want to be precise, though tipping on the final total is common and perfectly acceptable. 18% is the everyday default; drop toward 15% for routine service and move toward 20% when the sommelier clearly went above and beyond. Tipping norms for food & dining are shaped by how much personal, hands-on service you receive, so use the standard as a starting point and adjust up or down from there.

Should you tip if there is already a service charge?

If a service charge, automatic gratuity or "suggested tip" is already on the bill, you are not obliged to add another full tip on top. Check the receipt first: many venues add 15–20% for large parties or events, and card terminals often prompt for a tip that may not reflect local custom. When in doubt, ask whether the charge actually goes to the sommelier.

How to handle the wine portion of the bill

If the sommelier provides substantial help choosing and serving wine, 15–20% of the wine portion is a common US guideline. You normally do not need to tip twice: ask whether the restaurant pools the overall gratuity with the wine team.

When to tip more or less

• Tip more for exceptional service, special requests, holidays, or large/complex jobs.
• Tip standard for normal, friendly, on-time service.
• Tip less only for genuinely poor service — and consider speaking up first.

Reviewed 2026-08-10. Guidance reflects common US tipping customs; venue policy and local norms take priority.