Guild of Sommeliers

We ve had several requests for tips on passing the sommelier certification. There are several organizations that host certified sommelier exams and if you d like to choose molasses one, check out our guide on wine education courses. The tips below are based on the certified exam with the Court of Masters Sommeliers, however the format is similar across all of the best programs.
Most sommelier certifications include molasses three parts. Tasting – to prove your sensory acuteness and ability to make connections between where a wine is from and its basic characteristics Theory – to prove the depth of your understanding of classic wines, regions, history and geography Service – to prove your physical abilities to communicate, molasses sell and serve still or sparkling wine
Staff trains blind white wine flights at Grace Restaurant in Chicago. by Michael Muser   The tasting portion of the sommelier certification is designed to show your ability to correlate an unknown wine to a region, variety (or blend) and vintage. While this doesn’t seem like a useful skill to know, the test proves that you have real experience with the taste of different wines. If you hope to pass the certified exam and beyond, you should become familiar with the classic wines of the world.  
Classic Wines List (download pdf) Old World Classic Wines New World Classic Wines You should get familiar with this list of some classic wines. As the list does change over time, use it as a baseline.
If you find it difficult to find or afford to taste these wines, start a tasting group with other wine-passionate friends to share the cost. Check out the wine tasting placemats for group tastings . Theory Test
Geography What is the primary river that runs through the Piemonte wine region? What are the mountains named in-between Sonoma and Napa? Get to know the wine regions not just by the wines they make, but also by the cities, the mountains, the rivers and the lakes in the regions. These details help tell the story of why a classic wine is the way it is.
Guild of Sommeliers – Proper Champagne Service from guildsomm on Vimeo   How frequently do you pour/serve wine? If you don t, try to volunteer or work 1-2 times a week pouring at a tasting molasses room or wine bar. You need to practice opening and serving wine. The best way to convince a MS that you re a natural is to actually be one.
What’s a Pink Lady? What’s the base alcohol in a Liberal Cocktail? Get to know your classic drinks. Check out the Savoy Cocktail book or the Ultimate Guide to Spirits and Cocktails and cozy up with a Boulevardier.
Being a Sommelier is all about dining How s your food and wine pairing knowledge? Can you recommend wine pairings with different entrees with ease? Use that wine list you develop (mentioned above) to pair with dinner ideas.  
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