Introductory Course
The Master Sommelier Introductory Sommelier Course is
the first tier of education and testing conducted by the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Candidates receive intensive instruction on product knowledge, beverage service
and blind tasting. The intention is to provide a hospitality professional with
a very well rounded beverage expertise following the most rigorous standards.
Preparation
The degree to which an individual will benefit from this two-day course will
depend in large part upon the preparation time they've invested in. The written
test given at the end of the course is simple enough, and all the material
is covered in class. However, if one doesn't do a bit of reading, especially
on topics that one is unfamiliar with, one will spend the entire time scribbling
notes furiously. With adequate preparation, a candidate can better utilize
class time absorbing new information in a relaxed state of mind and concentrating
on learning blind-tasting technique.
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Attending a Introductory Sommelier Course and passing
the test does not mean one can call themselves a "Certified Sommelier."
The only actual credential recognized by the Court of
Master Sommeliers is "Master Sommelier". It is not unlike the designation "Master
Chef".One can be a perfectly competent, even inspired, and successful
chef, but still not have passed the Master Chef examination. Hence, he
or she is a "Chef".
The title "Sommelier" is worn by an individual who understands
the unspoken honor system: if you can't do the work competently, perhaps
it's not a good idea to carry the title! |
It's recommended that one acquire a good encyclopedia, such as Tom Stevenson's The
New Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia and read all the introductory
sections as well as the cover pages of each regional entry. The basic points
of beer and spirits production should be covered as well.
The Introductory Sommelier Course is open to all beverage professionals who
are interested in pursing the highest standards of wine service and product
knowledge in a dining room setting. Candidates come from restaurant, wholesale
and retail backgrounds.
The Introductory Sommelier Course is the prerequisite for the Certified
Sommelier Examinations, which includes a blind tasting exam and a practical
service exam as well as a difficult written exam.
Candidates who successfully complete a Introductory Sommelier Course:
- Have received intensive instruction over two days from a team of Master
Sommeliers.
- Have received a whirlwind tour of all the major wine growing regions of
the world, as well as instruction in spirits, beer and cigar production,
and service.
- Have passed a written exam on all the material covered throughout the
2-day course.
- Are capable of discussing, buying and serving a comprehensive range of
alcoholic beverages with confidence and skill.
- Have been tutored by some of the best wine tasters in the world in the
method of blind tasting, which is practiced and tested in the Certified
Sommelier Exam, the Advanced Course and
the Master Sommelier Diploma. Their wine-tasting
skills can then enable them to confidently recognize both quality and flaws.
- Have demonstrated that their practical work experience has given them
enough depth to sit this course and pass the exam. If you don't come with
a deep enough background (meaning hard work!), you will not be able to sit
this course successfully. It's as much recognition of career experience as
anything else.
- Have received adequate direction so as to study and prepare for the Certified
Sommelier Exam, the prerequisite for the Advanced
Course and Master Sommelier Exam itself.
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