Course Schedule & Application
T he Court of Master Sommeliers was established to encourage improved standards of beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants. Education was then, and remains today, the Court's charter. The first successful Master Sommelier 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. There are now over 180 Master Sommelier Diplomas awarded in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, New Zealand and Chile. There are now two Master Sommeliers practising in the Australasian region, Cameron Douglas MS from Auckland, New Zealand and Michael Engelmann MS in Sydney, Australia.
In 2008, National distributor Fine Wine Partners launched the Court's Programme in Australia, bringing the Court of Master Sommeliers to Australia to offer the first two levels of their program. The first students sitting the Introductory Level course impressed with a 90% pass rate. In ensuing years, sommeliers and those responsible for the wine, spirits and other alcoholic beverages service to consumers are lining up for the unique program.
There are four stages to attain the top qualifications of Master Sommelier:
The first two stages must be completed prior to attempting the final two levels: Advanced Sommelier Certificate and Master Sommelier Diploma. Fine Wine Partners facilitates both Level 1 and Level 2 programmes in Australia. Examinations for the Advanced and Master level are currently only held in USA and UK.
In the service of wine, spirits and other alcoholic beverages, the Master Sommelier Diploma is the ultimate professional credential anyone can attain worldwide.
