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How to get a Sommelier Certification
Written by: No Doubt Marketing
A sommelier is a person who has a combination of experience and education about wines and other similar spirits to work in the hospitality industry, such as a restaurant or winery. A person can achieve multiple levels of competence in the field of wines and spirits, however, most institutions will only confer the title of Sommelier to those who demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field. A Sommelier Certification, especially one from a recognized institution such as the Culinary Institute of America, demonstrates to clients and employers that the person has the experience and knowledge about wines to be called a Sommelier. Many people believe that a knowledge about what wines are complementary or contrast to certain foods or the ideal vintages of certain wines is appropriate for a sommelier, however to become certified requires a deeper knowledge on the subject. Some of the things that a sommelier is expected to know and experience are:
- The varieties of grapes, regions and areas where they grow and the best vintages
- Define terms used in the wine industry such as terroir, clone, primeur or ampelography
- What the role of the containers or barrels play in the in vintage
- Principles of food and wine matching
- Describe the features of a good wineglass and which ones are used for the various wines
- Be able to tell wines apart through blind taste tests
- Pair a bottle of wine with different foods
Sommelier certification classes
There are several levels of certification, the highest being a Master Sommelier. Although there are very few who attain this level, there are other certifications from well known organizations and institutes which confer the title of Sommelier to their graduates. The Culinary Institute of America, one of the most highly renowned cooking schools confers different certifications for Sommelier. Other schools, such as the Colorado International Wine Guild offer a variety of certifications from introductory certificates to the Guild Wine Master diploma.
Courses
- Among the courses available for Sommelier certification, here is a sample of core topics:
- The science, production and study of grapes or viticulture
- The study of winemaking or vinification
- Techniques for tasting of wines
- The correct methods of storage of wines or cellaring
- Food pairings and menu design
- Analysis and comparisons of wines, spirits, and ales in the various regions of the world.
Organizations which promote the certifications in wine and Spirits hold classes and certification exams at locations around the world. One such organization is the Wine and Spirit Education Trust. They hold various programs for credentials from a certificate to a diploma in the field of Wine and Spirits. The Court of Master Sommeliers is among the best known and one of the most highly regarded of the wine service educational organizations. An American Chapter was formed in 1977 and holds courses and certification exams for Certified and Master Sommelier.
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