Archive for May 26th, 2009
We need more Australian Master Sommeliers!
Did you know, that there is a Master title for Sommeliers? To tell you the truth: before I joined the Sommeliers Australia Association, I had no idea that such a title existed. There are about 160 Master Sommeliers worldwide as of today, and while a couple of Australians have achieved the title offshore, none are actively working in this country.
I was just a few years old when in 1969 the Court of Master Sommeliers conducted their first examinations in the United Kingdom and exactly ten years later a US chapter was formed. It took up to the year 2008 for Australia to provide an Introductory Level to the first students here Down Under and these exams were passed by an impressive 90%.
On you way to become a Master Sommerlier there are three grades for Sommeliers to prove their knowledge to an independent panel of judges. The two day classes include a lot of theory but also practical skills; tasting, service and salesmanship.
In September these intensive two day Introductory Certificate and Examinations will be held both in Sydney and Melbourne, with only fifty places at each available to Sommeliers throughout Australia. Although typically there is a requirement for a year’s gap between Levels One and Two, thirty of the top passing students in each city will be offered the chance to take the Certified Exams on the third day.
Once you have achieved the title of Certified Sommelier you have completed the first steps towards becoming a Master Sommelier: this is the ultimate accreditation offered by the Court -the real thing as you then are one of the few globally recognised professional sommeliers.
And here are the training courses and related exam dates for Melbourne and Sydney this year:
Melbourne: Introductory Sommelier Course & Exam – Thursday 17- Friday 18 September | Certified Sommelier Examination – Saturday 19 Sep
Sydney: Introductory Sommelier Course & Exam – Tuesday 22 – Wednesday 23 September | Certified Sommelier Examination – Thursday 24 September
Good luck to all those who will give it a go.
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Neben dem weltweit bekannten Master of Wine gibt es fuer die Sommeliers einen Master Sommelier Titel, der bislang ca. 160 Mal weltweit vergeben wurde. Im September finden Ausbildung und Tests in den Staedten Melbourne und Sydney statt, so dass wir hoffentlich bald mehr als die bislang zwei australischen Master Sommeliers aufweisen koennen.
Michael Brecht
