Court of Master Sommeliers

The Court of Master Sommeliers was established to encourage higher standards of beverage service in hotels and restaurants. Education was then, and remains today the Court’s charter.

The first successful Master Sommeliers examination was held in the United Kingdom in 1969. By April 1977, the Court of Master Sommeliers was established as the premier international examining body. It took the Court 10 years to perfect it’s qualifications, which today are recognized internationally.

 

How to become a Master Sommelier
There are four stages to the top professional qualification of Master Sommelier:

Each stage contains three disciplines – THEORY, TASTING and PRACTICAL.
1. Introductory Sommelier Certificate
2. Certified Sommelier Examination
3. Advanced Sommelier Certificate
4. Master Sommelier Diploma

Here are two (unofficial) example tasting sheets to help with the COMS tasting exams.
Its essential to learn a well structured methodology that works for you but contains all the following information.

Practice the same structure repeatedly for every wine you taste until it becomes second nature.

Ronan's Testimonials...

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Ronan Sayburn was one of the first true Sommeliers who welcomed me into Sommellerie over 10 years ago, opening his door to share his knowledge and assist in developing my sommelier skills whilst working in Michelin starred establishments. He has been a direct influence in my professional development and wine studies including national and international sommelier competitions. His willingness to assist and support anyone with a true desire to further themselves in the hospitality industry is effortless, and one which echoes across the UK and abroad through world-wide recognition and respect amongst his peers and leading industry figures.

Matt Wilkin M.S., UK Sales and Marketing Director, H2Vin Ltd.

”