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How to Pay for a Private Sommelier

How to · Event

How to Pay for a Private Sommelier

Host a professional wine tasting at home by spreading the cost over 18 months without interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $750 before anything else
Across the 0% window $41.67/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $750 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Imagine a Thursday night where a pro handles the wine while you just drink it. Hosting during the week is the smart move because specialists are usually booked solid on weekends. You get the expert, your friends get a night out, and you do not have to deal with a crowded bar or a loud restaurant.

A full setup usually runs around $750 for the pro and the bottles. You can cover this by using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) to pay the specialist and the wine shop upfront. Since it has 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening, you are not stuck paying the whole bill the second the party ends.

Keep in mind that 0% interest is not a permanent discount. If you still have a balance after the 18 months, the interest rate will jump to the standard high rate, making your wine night much more expensive.

The steps

  1. 01

    Book the specialist

    Find your sommelier at least a month out. Thursdays are their slow nights, so you will have better luck getting the person you actually want. Confirm if their fee includes the wine or just their time.

  2. 02

    Plan the menu

    Ask the pro for a list of five or six bottles. Do not buy the wine yourself until you have confirmed the guest count so you do not overspend on extra cases you do not need.

  3. 03

    Use your window

    Put the $750 on your Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi). Because you get 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening, you can pay $41.67 a month to clear the debt before interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Prep the glassware

    You need enough stems for each person to try every wine without constant washing. Renting glasses is often cheaper than buying sets you will never use again, and you can return them dirty.

  5. 05

    Set the snacks

    Stick to simple meats and cheeses. You want food that makes the wine taste better, not a full dinner that distracts from what the sommelier is saying. Buy these the morning of the event for freshness.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is a sommelier worth the money?

They bring the education and the cleanup. You are paying for someone to teach your friends about tannins and regions while you actually get to enjoy the conversation.

Do I provide the wine or do they?

Most pros give you a list to buy yourself to avoid liquor licensing issues. This also lets you control the exact bottle cost and keep the leftovers.

What if I miss a payment?

This card does not charge late fees, but missing payments still hurts your credit score. Stick to the $41.67 monthly plan to stay on track.

Why Thursday instead of Friday?

You will get more attention from the sommelier and likely a more flexible arrival time. It is a great way to break up the work week without the weekend crowds.