Cincinnati State hosts Master Sommeliers examination

July 31, 2009

The Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College was recently privileged to host the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination.

Of the 38 people who participated in the grueling three-day process, only two earned the title of Master Sommelier. Both are from Louisville: Scott Harper of Bristol Bar & Grille, and Brett Davis of Vintner Select.

The examination was conducted by the Court of Master Sommeliers, a non-profit organization that was founded in Great Britain in 1977 as part of an international effort to boost standards of service -- and knowledge involving wines and other beverages -- in hotels and restaurants.

Since the American chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers was founded, only 103 individuals – counting Harper and Davis – have earned its designation as Master Sommeliers. Worldwide, the designation has now been awarded to 176 men and women.

“These devoted wine professionals have proven their knowledge about and passion for wine in a spectacular form,’’ said Jay Fletcher, Chairman of the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers. “Master Sommeliers represent the pinnacle of wine expertise, tasting ability, and exemplary service and we know that each of these new Masters will be a tremendous asset to the wine industry.’’

Left: Scott Harper, left, and Brett Davis, celebrate their designation as Master Sommeliers. They were among the 38 individuals who participated in the Court of Master Sommelier’s recent diploma examination, which was held at the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Harper and Davis work in Louisville.

The three-day examination at the Midwest Culinary Institute represented the culmination of a much longer process supervised by the Court of Master Sommeliers. There are four major components:

• The process begins with an Introductory Sommelier Course.
• Those who successfully complete the course may sit for the Certified Sommelier Exam.
• The next step is an Advanced Sommelier Course.
• Those who complete that course, and achieve other qualifications (including successful industry experience) may then apply to take the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam.
   

The Diploma Exam is administered in three sections: taste, theory and practical service.
Davis and Harper met in 1999 while both were working in Louisville. They often prepared together for the Diploma Exam, sometimes meeting twice a week for tasting sessions and to quiz each other on wine theory and service.