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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.

• Syllabus

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.

A common misunderstanding 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.