Introductory Sommelier Course and Examination

Online Course Details

Theory Lectures

• The online Introductory Sommelier Course is presented as a series of videos taught by Master Sommeliers. Each video lasts approximately 15-45 minutes, covering major wine growing regions of the world, along with beer, sake, and spirits. The Master Sommeliers will discuss food and beverage pairings with each subject as well as proper service. The videos are available on-demand for 180 days from the date of registration, allowing students to review the material at their convenience.  Closed captioning is available in English and Spanish.

Wine Tastings

• The online Introductory Sommelier Course features 18 wines presented in guided tastings using the Court of Master Sommeliers Tasting Method. Each wine is matched with a specific lecture topic, allowing students to link the theory of how the wine was made with how it tastes, while they practice describing it.  
• The final wine tasting of the course will feature an introduction to the Court of Master Sommeliers Deductive Tasting Method. 
• The students can choose one of two paths to procure the wines needed for the tastings in this class:

1. Purchase the Introductory Sommelier Course wine kit from Master the World

• The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas, in collaboration with Master the World, is offering students a set of 18 bottles (187ml each) containing classic, archetypal wines from Master the World, official supplier of wine kits for the CMS-A online course. The selected wines highlight key attributes and unique characteristics to strengthen the correlation between theoretical knowledge, regional distinctions, and grape varietals.
• Upon registration, students will receive an email containing instructions on how to purchase the wine kit through Master the World.
• At this time, wine cannot be shipped internationally, outside of the continental US (with the exception of HI), or to the following US states:  AK, AL, AR, DE, MS, RI, SD, UT.

1. Purchase alternative wine

• Students have the option to acquire their own wine selections. Please refer to the Suggested Wine List for examples. While the list offers guidance rather than an exhaustive inventory, students are not required to obtain the exact wines to participate fully in the course. Comparable alternatives within the same appellation or price range are acceptable.

 Service, Hospitality, and Business of the Sommelier

• In addition to the theory lectures and wine tasting, an integral part of our curriculum is wine service, hospitality, and the business of the sommelier. Our instruction will include an introduction to wine service with guidance in restaurant service etiquette and the importance of hospitality.
• New to this program is an introduction to the business of the sommelier, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the important role the sommelier plays in the success of a business, from its revenue and cost controls to its relationships.