The Court of Master Sommeliers was established over 40 years ago to encourage improved standards of service in hotels and restaurants; its charter based on education providing expertise in wines, spirits and all alcoholic beverages, and their service and systems management. To date, there are 186 people who can affix the Master Sommelier letters ‘MS’ after their name, having been awarded the Master Sommelier Diploma, the final step of a four level programme. The MS qualification is seen as similar to Master of Wine (MW). Most of the MS individuals are based in the U.S.A., mainly in California and Nevada. Cameron Douglas of AUT Auckland, is the only one in Australasia.
- Approximately 25 wines from around the world will be tasted and discussed
- Two full days of lectures on major wine and beverage producing nations
- A multiple-choice exam end of day 2
- A short service test day 3 – morning only
- 65% Pass threshold to attain the Level 1 pin – a first badge of office from the CMS – a globally recognised credential
- The average pass rate worldwide is 90% (of candidates get through)
- Tasting of 2 wines blind (download the structure and instructions at www.mastersommeliers.org – click on Courses and Schedules
- Theory Exam – quite difficult and requires a solid knowledge of the world of wines and other beverages
- Service exam – this is a 12 minute exam where candidates demonstrate a range of skills in a short period of time – opening and pouring red, white or sparkling wine (possibly decanting), food and wine matching, recommending aperitifs, digestifs and a knowing the ingredients in classic cocktails
- All three parts must be passed to attain the certificate and badge
- The average pass rate worldwide is 60% (of candidates get through)
There is a text book that most of the examination questions are generated from: Sales and Service for the Wine Professional 3rd Ed. Author: Brian K. Julyan (Available via Amazon.com and UBS books, AUT Auckland.)
To contact Cameron Douglas MS, and for all enquiries, email: [email protected] or telephone directly on (021) 801-180
