What does it take to become a Master Sommelier?

What does it take to become a master sommelier?

Step one is to become a sommelier. To non-industry people, it probably sounds like a neat excuse to get paid for drinking- okay, maybe it is Master Sommeliers take particular pride in their work It is well warranted They are much more than a well-informed drinking buddy or someone to call upon a Saturday afternoon when the labels get confusing at the wine shop.

A day in the life of a sommelier reads something like Willy Wonka minus the gore. Being in a candy factory where flavor and composition are like music to your ears. Sommeliers curate wines for the restaurant’s menu; they learn everything there is to know about them. Not just the haughty ‘it’s a Bordeaux blend’ plus the list of varietals, but also the careful aspects the winemaker employs to make this creation.

Armed with that, a good Sommelier will take charge of the floor ( restaurant speak for the dining room) and recommend wines with food pairings, not to mention train the waitstaff. It goes without saying that this is a valuable investment that requires some experience and patience. The good news? If done right, it pays well after each stage. You will have to spend hours studying and money tasting. Be warned; it can get quite exhausting.

Know Your Goals

If your focus is merely getting acquainted with wine at an entry level or even the more coveted prize of Master Sommelier, there are ways to get you there. Know beforehand that it will take time; try to be easy on yourself if achievements don’t come as swiftly. For most aspiring Master Sommeliers, this can be an investment of at least 10 years! Fundamental knowledge and passion are what will get you in the door.

Determine what wine course works for you.

In these articles, we highlighted some sommelier certification programs you can apply to get started. The Court of Master Sommelier National Wine School and the Wine & Spirits Education Trust are the wine industry’s most recognized educational bodies.

Some of their programs might involve a considerable amount of travel. Others have Approved Program Providers (APPs) that behave like a franchise operation, where you can sit for your exam. Several aspiring Somms take advantage of this and travel the world to take their examinations in different wine-producing regions. This is critical for exposure – do it when you can. In wine, you have to appreciate it to comprehend it. Before you make a choice, y u should do a deep dive into a wine school near you.

An establishment like the Napa Wine Academy (one of the best wine schools in America) can offer all these programs under one roof.

Unlearn to Relearn

There is a way you describe wines to a member of the wine trade, a way you would describe the wine to a friend, and a way you serve it to a guest. Sommelier training institutes provide a standardized quality check for all three. Ultimately, it has culminated in improved wine service and knowledge within the industry.

There are approved tasting sheets that teach how to approach wine and form conclusions. They cover sight, smell, and taste, and instruct you on how to gauge its market value. Taking these helps you evaluate wine at more than face value. You get a deeper understanding of the winemaker’s mind and the heart of his vineyard.

Start Collecting Wine

Well, not to cellar. To drink! You need to train your palate. A Mast r Sommelier is intuitive in all things in the glass. Like a good sensei, you have to master the art of concentration. Be able to pause, reflect, and deduce the flavors and aroma of the wine to assess them. Cut your teeth on good wines. You won’t have to rob a bank for a rare bottle of Y’quem, but spend some time buying and tasting wines from all over the world. Each wine will show you something new, assisting you to ace that test and hopefully become a Master Sommelier.

Read Wine Books

Wine material is available everywhere. To start your journey to becoming a Master Sommelier, you should find books written by established wine professionals. Karen McNeil’s Wine Bible is an excellent place to start. Jancis Robinson also has a few. Try “The Taste of Wine” by Pamela Vandyke Price to get a hang of pairings and wine styles. Some online wine schools provide educational videos and articles on their websites that can be handy.

The Dirty Secret Behind Becoming a Master Sommelier

Much attention has been paid to Master Sommeliers lately, but not all of it has been good. There have been numerous television shows and a few movies featuring sommeliers. Then came the report of sexism and cheating n the upper ranks of the Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) While it used to be seen as the only legitimate way to become a Master Sommelier, it is now seen as a boy’s club that extorts its members, both sexually and financially The truth is that any number of other schools can certify a master sommelier seek out a school that can offer L5 wine certific tion, and ignore the drama that is the CMS.