Printed Business Cards

Good wine never goes out of fashion. For centuries wine has played a large role in the dining experience. A sommelier is a certified wine expert and beverage manager. They can explain the high points of a French vintage and comprehend the labeling laws of Australia. The sommelier’s business card should exhibit a sound understanding of viticulture, wine selection and food pairings as well as expertise in overall beverage management.

Freelancers should look at using sophisticated clip art for the sommelier’s business card. In most cases, cartoon images of plump grapes or smiling waiters is inappropriate. The job of a sommelier implies a seriousness of purpose with the idea of a sophisticated beverage palette. Choices regarding image and color should reflect this purpose.

The restaurant or hotel sommelier should first ask human resources if a business card template already exists or if there is a logo or clip art for the hotel that needs to appear in the card. If not, reflect the hotel or restaurant’s color palette and style choices. This creates the professional connection between the sommelier and the organization; advertising for both really.

Avoid flowery or confusing lettering for your sommelier’s business card. The thought here is always to go for the timeless beauty of an Edwardian style script. This is difficult to read quickly (scan) and can come across as overly pretentious to potential clients and employers. Serious but simple, elegant but creative is the key here. Choose bold scripts that scan easily in black or dark colored ink.

Thick well cut card with smooth matte finishes give a finished look to the sommelier’s business card. This is one career card that shouldn’t go budget. A few extra dollars on the business cards will help show a level of taste and meticulousness to potential clients or employers. People are more likely to trust your opinion if they see it reflected well in your business card choices.
Distribute the freelance sommelier’s business card at area wine and foodie favorite haunts including the local cocktail bars, restaurant and hotels. Consider two sets of business cards: one for evening services and one for day services.

Filed under: Business Card Help, Design Tips, Marketing, Printing on February 15th, 2010