Master Sommeliers – Wine Experts, Service Mavens, Blind Tasters

The Court of Master Sommeliers are in Chicago again to test for Certified Sommeliers (12 of 23 passed at the Conrad today, one of them being Rachael Johnson one of the Sommeliers on staff here at The James – Congratulations Rachael!). Tomorrow they will administer the Introductory Course to future Sommelier hopefuls.

Court of Master Sommeliers, have you heard of them? I hadn’t until 2002 when I was hired as a waiter at Blue Fin in New York City’s Times Square. The restaurant wine program was lead by corporate beverage director Greg Harrington, MS. Those last two letter referring to the title ‘Master Sommelier‘. Back then, as I was told, Greg was a pretty big deal. Not only was he one of 50 or 60 Masters in the country, but he also had the record for being the youngest to ever pass the test. Like I said, Greg was a pretty big deal. These days there are almost 100 Master Sommeliers in the US, with 9 newly anointed MS titles going out in 2007 alone. So what does it mean and why is it a big deal?

The Court of Master Sommeliers originated in London (where they take wine very seriously) and an American chapter was initiated in 1977. The goals of the organization include setting a benchmark and awareness of service standards and knowledge in the sales and service sector of the wine industry. Not a bad goal. So what does one need to do to become a Master Sommelier? Let’s just say that its really really hard. Those that even get invited (yes, you have to get invited) to take the MS exam have already passed a series of rigorous tests that include blind tasting 6 wines in 24 minutes, answering detailed questions about obscure wine regions, and exuding graceful and composed service while being harassed by sitting Masters. That process will get you a title of Advanced Sommelier and allow you into the world of eligible Masters candidates.

To become an Advanced Sommelier you must receive sponsorship from an MS, and have also passed the Certified Exam. I passed my Certified last March here in Chicago and will hope to sit for the Advanced in early 2009. Now that Rachael has passed the Certified I have a great study buddy and blind tasting partner.

More on the Court of Master Sommeliers to come…

This entry was posted on March 2, 2008 at 8:10 pm and is filed under Court of Master Sommeliers, Master Sommelier, Rory Post, Sommelier. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.