After speaking with Courtney, I couldn’t stop thinking about the word Sommelier (which she mentioned in passing) and wondering what it was. As a result, I would like to dedicate my first blog post to defining Sommelier and understanding what it takes to become one.
A Sommelier is a fancy word for a wine steward. They are trained professionals that are knowledgeable and specialize in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food pairings. Fancy restaurants and hotels hire them on to improve their standards of beverage knowledge and service.
The very first certified Master Sommelier was tested and awarded their certification in the United Kingdom in 1969. This certification was administered by the Court of Master Sommeliers which to this day remains as the premier international examining body.
In order to become a certified Sommelier one must successfully pass four exams: the introductory sommelier course & exam, the certified sommelier exam, advanced sommelier course and exam and finally, the master sommelier diploma exam. Currently, only 230 professionals worldwide have the title Master Sommelier, of which 198 are men and 32 are women. Maybe one day, if I get tired of the corporate world, I will become the next Master Sommelier!
A Sommelier is a fancy word for a wine steward. They are trained professionals that are knowledgeable and specialize in all aspects of wine service as well as wine and food pairings. Fancy restaurants and hotels hire them on to improve their standards of beverage knowledge and service.
The very first certified Master Sommelier was tested and awarded their certification in the United Kingdom in 1969. This certification was administered by the Court of Master Sommeliers which to this day remains as the premier international examining body.
In order to become a certified Sommelier one must successfully pass four exams: the introductory sommelier course & exam, the certified sommelier exam, advanced sommelier course and exam and finally, the master sommelier diploma exam. Currently, only 230 professionals worldwide have the title Master Sommelier, of which 198 are men and 32 are women. Maybe one day, if I get tired of the corporate world, I will become the next Master Sommelier!