94 candidates will sit for the organization’s Introductory Level Examination on August 1
Beginning on August 1, 94 individuals will partake in an intensive, two‐day instruction and training session to learn the art and science of wine and spirits service from a select group of the world’s foremost experts on the topic, Master Sommeliers Wayne Belding, Ron Edwards, Scott Carney, Brett Davis, and Andrew McNamara. Participants will conclude the Court of Master Sommeliers‐sponsored course by sitting for the first of the organization’s four exams, each of which requires an increasingly keen dedication to the mastery of all elements of beverage theory and service. Those who excel in the upcoming training program may even go on to eventually join the exclusive group of just 105 individuals in North America with the coveted title of Master Sommelier.
Despite the daunting road ahead, these applicants jumped at the opportunity to learn from these Master Sommeliers and sit for the Introductory Exam. The Court’s unmatched expertise, combined with the public’s growing interest in wine in recent years, has meant that these courses fill up far in advance and generally command a sizable waitlist. Participants in the course will study beverage service and wine theory, as well as begin the arduous journey of perfecting their tasting abilities.
For individuals who have already passed the Introductory Sommelier Exam, Masters Edwards and Belding will join their colleagues in proctoring the day‐ long Certified Exam on July 31, the second of the Court’s prestigious educational programs. 40 candidates will attempt to demonstrate an even higher level of proficiency in wine theory and beverage service, with some traveling from as far as Colorado to see if they have what it takes. As the second phase in the Court’s coursework, this examination is critical in discerning the introductory candidates from those who will ultimately become Master Sommeliers.
The Court of Master Sommeliers was established in England in 1977 to encourage improved standards of beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants. The first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam to be held in the United States was in 1987. The title Master Sommelier marks the highest recognition of wine and spirits knowledge, beverage service abilities, and professionalism in the hospitality trade. Education was then, and remains today, the Court’s charter. There are four stages involved in attaining the top qualifications of Master Sommelier: 1) Introductory Sommelier Course; 2) Certified Sommelier Exam; 3) Advanced Sommelier Course; and 4) Master Sommelier Diploma. There are 105 professionals who have earned the title Master Sommelier in North America. Of those, 90 are men and 15 are women. There are 170 professionals worldwide who have received the title of Master Sommelier since the first Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
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I recently attended the intro 2 day session. The format was expectedly rushed and exciting. We tasted fantastic wines throughout and became familiar with the Court's 'tasting profile'. Two complaints: frantic pacing (at times 2 of the 4 Masters seemed consumed w/an early finish), and lackluster text (the bound study guide looks impressive enough by the cover but the text is merely B/W photocopies and b-grade maps). Still enjoyable though, just needs minor polishing-
marcus