SOMM is an editorial project focused on evaluating professional certifications and educational programs in the wine trade. The publication covers wine education, credentialing systems, and industry training programs through reporting, commentary, and comparative analysis.
SOMM is supported by the National Wine School. Editorial decisions are made independently and are not influenced by schools, certifying bodies, or sponsors.
Our contributors include wine educators, industry professionals, and researchers who analyze how wine education programs operate in the United States and internationally. Our coverage includes programs offered by organizations such as the Court of Master Sommeliers, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, and a range of independent wine schools.
Advancing Standards in Wine Education
SOMM examines how wine education programs are structured and how they compare across the industry. Over the past two decades, sommelier certification and wine education programs have grown significantly, expanding beyond traditional hospitality training into a broader educational sector.
Despite that growth, wine education programs often operate under widely varying instructional models, assessment methods, and institutional structures. SOMM’s work focuses on documenting those differences and providing clear analysis of how programs are designed and delivered.
Through articles and program reviews, SOMM publishes analysis of major sommelier certifications and wine education programs, outlining their structure, scope, and areas of distinction.
Evaluating Wine Schools and Certification Programs
Wine education in the United States is delivered through a diverse set of institutions, ranging from independent schools to international certification bodies. Because of this diversity, SOMM evaluates programs both at the institutional level and through the credentials they offer.
Members of our editorial team periodically observe classes and review course structures at wine schools across the country. Programs are examined using consistent criteria, including curriculum structure, instructional methods, and assessment practices.
Based on this analysis, SOMM publishes comparative reviews of wine education programs and periodically highlights institutions demonstrating strong educational practices.
Supporting Informed Choice in Wine Education
Wine education in the United States operates through a decentralized landscape of schools, certifications, and training programs. As a result, students and professionals often face a wide range of educational options.
SOMM provides structured reporting and analysis intended to help readers better understand how different wine education programs are organized and how they compare within the broader industry.
By documenting and analyzing educational approaches across the wine trade, SOMM aims to contribute to clearer understanding of the evolving wine education landscape.