Sommelier
A four-step approach

How to open wine with a wax capsule

by  |  05-11-2017

We have entered the Age of the Wax-Dipped Wine as a number of cellars have started using this method of cork covering in lieu of the more well-known metal capsule. I’ve heard some say that... more »

Online quizzes to help pass CMS Sommelier Levels 1 & 2

by  |  16-09-2017

For those studying up for the Court of Master Sommeliers exams, it can be frustrating to have a sense of what point your knowledge may be at. Sure, you can answer all your flash cards... more »

Not all Ah-So’s are created equal

by  |  01-07-2017

The Ah-So is that prongy thing in the back of the utensil draw that most people don’t even know the name of. Theories abound about the name but the more important fact is that it’s... more »

Review of SOMM: Into the Bottle

by  |  01-09-2016 ~ 2 Comments

Some might wonder the logic in reviewing a film that came out eight months previous but in the case of SOMM: Into the Bottle, it was mainly because I wanted to reflect on it a... more »

What is Guildsomm, the “Guild of Sommeliers”?

by  |  20-02-2016

This article was written in 2016 and makes mention of Geoff Kruth, the founder of GuildSomm and its president at the time of writing. These are facts and while I've left the article as it... more »

Ronan Sayburn on “natural” wine

by  |  14-01-2016

Often people ask, "What's the difference between a Master Sommelier and a Master of Wine?" Well, one certification is about expert wine service and the other about expert wine studies. They both need to know... more »

The rest of 2016

by  |  05-01-2016

Continued from yesterday, a few more observations about what's to come in 2016 in general and outside of Catalonia. Southern France I just received an email from Michel Blanc in Châteauneuf going on at length... more »

Taking the Court of Master Sommeliers Level 2 – Certified Sommelier Exam

by  |  28-12-2015 ~ 20 Comments

You read up on the differences between the WSET & the Court of Master Sommeliers, you went the sommelier path and you passed the CMS Level 1. Thus, you have arrived. Now, is where it... more »

Wine gifts and tools for the sommelier & collector

by  |  21-12-2015

Also have a look at this extended wine lovers/sommelier gift list As it often the case when people reach this point in December (or in about seven days in Europe for Three Kings), you have... more »

Taking the Court of Master Sommeliers Level 1 – Introductory Exam

by  |  12-12-2015

So, maybe you've read up about the various differences between the WSET & Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and now you're headed on the CMS path of things. The first stop on this is to... more »