Did you know that I am a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers? 

 

The process was overwhelming and something I’m so happy to have accomplished.

 

In October of 2016, I enrolled for the Introductory Exam of the Court of Master Sommeliers. The Introductory Exam is a fast paced two-day course which consists of an intensive review of the world’s wine producing regions, wine service standards and tasting exercises. I only had about a month to prepare and the two days were pretty overwhelming. Day one was almost 9 hours of system overload. Day two was a half day of extensive review and then the 70 question multiple choice exam. I was sweating bullets waiting for my name to be called. The anxiety only got worse after my two colleagues, whom I tested with, names’ were called first. I started working on my internal pep talk as the stack of certificates dwindled down to one. But, It was mine!! I was the last name called and probably the happiest recipient! 

 

After one receives the Introductory certificate with the Court of Master Sommeliers, you are given two years to test for the Certified Level Two.

 

I am grateful for the local advanced sommeliers who put together a structured tasting group at the restaurant I was working at and could not have done it without their mentorship. But, the book work was all on me! After work, weekends, surrounding myself with nothing but wine, which sounds rather romantic, but in the moment was actually exhausting. How does one actually feel prepared for the exam? Good question. I didn’t, but knew time was running out and if I didn’t pull the trigger and sign up, I would keep putting it off. 

 

In June of 2018, I flew to Reno with my checked overnight bag, because I didn’t want my prized wine key to be confiscated by TSA. I had my Uber driver stop at AJ’s so I could get a good bottle of Riesling and some hotel room snacks. The next day was THE day starting at 8am with a 30 minute blind tasting of two whites and two reds. Immediately following was a theory exam of 45 questions with a mix of multiple choice, short answers, mathematics and matching answers that must be completed in 35 minutes. As the cards were dealt, I had to wait around for 8hrs before my group was called in for the practical portion and was required to serve a Master sommelier in a “scenario setting” with a table of 6 ‘people’ for a special occasion. It was nerve racking. I definitely felt the pressure of the empty seats and that one highly knowledgeable wine expert staring at me as I opened a bottle of Champagne table side. But, I did it! And here I am. Proudly wearing my pin and creating great wine and food experiences for you!