Established in 1977, the Court of Master Sommeliers is the most esteemed vocational body for the industry, hosting the programme annually in participating countries around the globe.
The first Court of Master Sommelier courses were held in Australia in 2008. Since then in Australia 789 sommeliers have participated in the examinations. With more and more sommeliers recognising the benefits of better education for hospitality, 2016 saw the Australian programme fully booked with representatives from some of Australia’s top venues.
Franck Moreau, Master Sommelier, said, “With students attending the examinations from 6 states nationwide, the demand in Australia for high quality professional education for sommeliers and beverage professionals has never been stronger. The 2016 Australian programme was fully booked with representatives from some of Australia’s top restaurants, hotels and bars in attendance”.
The Introductory Sommelier Certificate tests candidate’s knowledge of grape varieties, origins, as well as vineyard and winemaking methods used in major wine producing regions around the world. Introductory candidates are also expected to display basic tasting and food and wine pairing skills, as well as technical skill in service.
This year saw saw 38 students graduate with the Introductory Sommelier Certificate, an incredible pass rate of 76%.
Building on the Introductory course, students of the Certified Sommelier Examination go on to complete a short written theory paper, as well as a blind of two wines and a practical service test. Like the advanced certification, students of the Certified Examination must also achieve 60 per cent or above in each section.
A further 12 students attained the title of Certified Sommelier, a huge success for Australian sommeliers, and this year's prestigious Sydney Riedel Dux Trophy awarded to Alexis Rjat of Mr Wong and Merivale Group.
This year's results takes Australia's total Introductory Sommelier graduates to an impressive 506, and a additional 221 Certified Sommelier graduates. This builds on previous awards of 17 Advanced Level Master Sommeliers and two who have attained the title of Master Sommelier - Franck Moreau MS of Merivale Group and Sebastian Crowther MS of Rockpool.
Australian graduates are certainly proving the success of better education in the sommelier industry.
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